'We don’t agree with all this shit' – Van Wilder expresses frustration at Soudal Quick-Step merger situation

Tre Valli Varesine winner Ilan Van Wilder expressed his frustration at the possible merger involving his Soudal Quick-Step team and Jumbo-Visma, suggesting riders on the Belgian team don’t agree with the move that would reportedly see their squad effectively absorbed into the Dutch team’s set-up.

Just moments after winning the biggest one-day race of his career, the current situation surrounding his team was at the front of the young Belgian’s mind, as he made his views clear in his post-race interview.

“It’s [been] difficult weeks for us, so this victory is really for my teammates and for our staff, to show that we don’t agree with all this shit,” he said.

Very few riders or staff have spoken publicly about the merger, which would effectively put an end to the long-running Soudal Quick-Step team, with Jumbo-Visma boss Richard Plugge set to retain licence ownership if the move goes ahead.

However, despite the lack of responses from the riders, Van Wilder appeared to speak for at least some of his fellow riders and staff when expressing what they wanted out of the situation.

“We want to continue as Soudal Quick-Step,” he asserted. “We are strong enough and I hope it will be like this.”

Victory at Tre Valli Varesine - the result of a 10km solo move by Van Wilder - was Quick-Step’s first win since the news emerged, and was certainly a charged one.

The 23-year-old Belgian ostensibly has a contract at Quick-Step through to 2025, but there are no assurances for riders in his position should the team merge with Jumbo-Visma.

Read more: Rider agent: Jumbo-Visma merger with Soudal Quick-Step could put 20 riders out of work

The only other rider to express disappointment about the purported merge has been Julian Alaphilippe. Speaking to , he called the situation “tiresome” but the possible end of the team “sad” as he said that the riders were waiting for good news. Alaphilippe was also on the attack during Tre Valli Varesine.

The reason the riders are frustrated is not just because a so-called merger could spell the end of the Soudal Quick-Step team, but it would also put many of their jobs at risk, with only 30 spots on the merged WorldTour team, and more than 50 riders fighting for them. It could also be bad news for the almost 100 employees of the Soudal Quick-Step team.

Regarding the team staff, a statement from the UCI released on Tuesday made specific reference to the non-rider employees of both teams involved, saying their positions were of “prime importance”.

“The UCI points out that any such operation must comply with the procedures and provisions set out in the UCI Regulations which, in particular, make it possible to ensure compliance with the contractual provisions for all personnel of the teams in question (riders, but also team management and other staff such as doctors, mechanics, sports assistants, drivers, etc.), which is of prime importance to the UCI.”