Our team is happy to announce the signings of two Belgian riders, who will wear the emblematic Soudal Quick-Step jersey from next year until the end of 2027.
A professional since 2018, 29-year-old Steff Cras has raced eight Grand Tours in his career, most recently this summer’s Tour de France. He has showcased his climbing prowess on numerous occasions – from this season’s Vuelta a Asturias, where he claimed his maiden pro victory after a great solo effort, and the Route d’Occitanie, where he finished a solid third overall, to the Vuelta a Andalucia, Arctic Race of Norway, and Tour of Slovenia, all of which he completed in the top ten.
Now, Cras is ready to return to the World Tour as part of Soudal Quick-Step, and said: “I’m really glad that I will wear the jersey of this team over the next two seasons. My ambition is to help the squad achieve important victories and maybe win a couple of races myself if the opportunity arises. I like La Vuelta – I’m actually a big fan of this Grand Tour and of racing in Spain – but I also enjoy stage races and the Ardennes Classics, which I hope to ride next year.”
At just 24 years old and a professional since 2020, Fabio Van Den Bossche is also looking forward to racing for the Wolfpack next season. In his six years as a pro, Fabio has competed in two Grand Tours and three Monuments, helping his leaders achieve their goals while also making a name for himself on the track. His track palmares includes bronze in the Omnium at the 2024 Olympic Games and a total of four medals at the World Championships.
“I’m very excited, because I have always admired Soudal Quick-Step, ever since Tom Boonen and Iljo Keisse – who were my idols as a kid – raced for the team. I also have great memories of competing against Soudal Quick-Step in the peloton, so to now be part of it is something special. I hope to help the team in the Classics and as a member of the lead-out train, and I’m determined to play my part in securing as many wins as possible. At the same time, I want to keep improving both on the road and on the track, where I will continue chasing a World Championship gold medal and aim to return to the Olympics.”
Speaking about the pair’s arrival, Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré said: “The many results Steff has achieved in stage races and on some of cycling’s hardest climbs speak volumes about his ability on tough terrain, and have helped him become an accomplished stage race rider. We believe we can offer him the perfect environment to progress further, and that we’ll see some great performances from him next season.”
“Regarding Fabio, he is a young and very versatile rider who will strengthen our team in multiple areas. As he’s already said, he is eager to work hard and improve, and we are confident he will do so as part of our squad. We will also support him in pursuing his ambitions on the track, and we look forward to what we hope will be a very successful partnership.”
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
