Van Baarle targets Monuments with Soudal Quick-Step - 'Flanders and Roubaix hold a special place in my heart'

The Dutch classics specialist spoke in a team interview about settling in with one of cycling's most successful teams, praising both the riders and staff he'll work alongside this season.

"The two training camps went really well. It was nice to get to know everyone, from the staff to the riders. It's a great group of riders and this gave me a good feeling," Van Baarle said. "I can't wait for my first race, Algarve, because it makes me excited to finally start in these colours."

Van Baarle's arrival represents a significant shift in focus for Soudal Quick-Step following Evenepoel's move to Red Bull. Whilst the Belgian superstar chases Grand Tour glory elsewhere, the Wolfpack have reinforced their classics credentials by bringing in an experienced cobbled specialist to compliment the other classics additions and riders the Belgian team already obtain.

As mentioned, Van Baarle will make his competitive debut at the Volta ao Algarve in February before the Belgian Opening Weekend, where the traditional races of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne kick off the cobbled classics season.

"I'm also looking forward to the Opening Weekend, which will be special in a Belgian team. We have a strong line-up and we can be protagonists there," the 33-year-old explained. "Of course, it's always easier said than done, but we are confident, because we have many riders who have shown they can fight for a good result on the cobbles."

The move to Soudal Quick-Step is a big one for van Baarle, joining a team with unmatched history on the pavé. Van Baarle has picked up some impressive results over the course of his career, including the 2022 Paris-Roubaix win, a second at the 2022 Tour of Flanders, and silver at the 2021 Worlds in Leuven, amongst other results.

Van Baarle's goals for his debut season are clear. The two cobbled Monuments are what he's building towards, though he's ready to help the team wherever needed.

"Flanders and Roubaix will be my main goals, and I hope to get back to my best level for these two Monuments. I love them, they hold a special place in my heart and I would love to be in the mix for a good result or contribute to the team's success," said the former Dutch Champion.

That 2022 Roubaix win came after a perfectly timed attack in the Carrefour de l'Arbre, dropping riders such as Wout van Aert and Matej Mohorič to solo home. His Flanders runner-up finish the same year saw him narrowly beaten by Mathieu van der Poel in a small group after 270 brutal kilometres.

Beyond the classics, van Baarle made it clear he's not just there for the cobbles. "I look forward also to being there for the squad whenever they need me in the stage races, because we have many riders that can shine in this type of races, regardless of the terrain. Hopefully, it will be a good year for us."