The 33-year-old will bolster the Wolfpack’s Grand Tour department.
One of the finest Basque riders this side of the century, Mikel Landa has agreed on a two-year contract with Soudal Quick-Step. A top three finisher at the Giro d’Italia on two occasions (2015 & 2022), Mikel has built himself a solid palmares since turning pro in 2011, which currently includes sixteen victories – four of these being recorded in Grand Tour stages – and the KOM jersey at the Corsa Rosa.
Hailing from Murgia, a small town in the Alava province, 33-year-old Landa brings to the team not just his strong climbing skills, but also an invaluable experience gained over the 19 Grand Tours he rode in the last decade, most recent of which was this summer’s Tour de France. This season, Mikel – who is a supporter of Deportivo Alaves, the team that enjoyed a phenomenal run in the UEFA Cup more than two decades ago – has shown a remarkable consistency, concluding top 10 in five of the stage races he competed in, on top of this taking a remarkable third place on the iconic Mur de Huy.
“I am very excited at the thought of joining Soudal Quick-Step, an incredible team I have always had a lot of respect for. From the outside, I was always impressed by how its riders stick together in all kinds of situations and how they always support their leader. I have been so far on Italian teams, Spanish teams, and British teams, and now I’m looking forward to discovering the Belgian culture.”
“I am happy and motivated by this new challenge and by supporting Remco in his goals. I come here with a lot of experience, especially in the Grand Tours, where I’ve been fighting for the podium or have helped others win several times in the past. I have always felt comfortable supporting younger riders and I know I will fit in here. I want to give my best in the next seasons, I am convinced I can help Remco a lot, and at the same time, I am confident that when given the opportunity, I can go for a good result myself”, said Mikel, the third Basque rider to be a member of the Wolfpack in the team’s 21-year history.
Soudal Quick-Step CEO Patrick Lefevere welcomed Mikel into the team: “We have known Mikel for a long time, he has been a constant presence at the front on the hard climbs of the Grand Tours since turning pro many years ago and we believe he is the right man to strengthen our squad as we gradually shift our attention to the general classification. We are looking forward to what we hope will be a strong and successful two seasons together.”
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
