The 29-year-old Belgian, who will soon start his second part of the season, is staying with us.
Ayco Bastiaens became the latest rider to sign a new agreement with Soudal Quick-Step, which will see him continue to sport our colours until 2027. Ayco joined the team ahead of the 2024 season, and has since competed in more than 30 races, always visible at the front of the peloton for hours and hours on the flat, chasing down the breakaways and playing an important role in many of the victories racked up by our squad at the UAE Tour, Paris-Nice, or the Belgian one-day races.
“I’m happy to stay with the team for the next two years. I’m a domestique and I like doing this job for the team, helping to control the breakaways for my leaders. I showed in the past my strength in this role and I want to keep doing this with the same passion and determination as we continue to hunt for victories. I have a lot of beautiful memories from my time with the Wolfpack so far and I hope to add to these in the next two seasons”, Ayco explained.
Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré added: “Our squad wouldn’t be as successful as it is without selfless riders who work hard for the main goals, and Ayco is such a rider. He is an amazing team player, appreciated by his teammates for his dedication, determination and strong effort he puts in every single time he pins on a number. That’s why we are delighted he will remain a member of Soudal Quick-Step for the next two years.”
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
