Imagine a cycling team so determined to reclaim its throne that it’s willing to completely reinvent the training strategy of one of the world’s best riders. That’s exactly what Soudal - Quick-Step is doing in 2026, and it’s all centered around Dylan van Baarle, the powerhouse who once dominated the cobblestones. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a season marred by crashes and inconsistent form, the team isn’t just tweaking his approach—they’re overhauling it entirely. Could this be the key to unlocking his former glory, or is it a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Soudal - Quick-Step isn’t just aiming to compete—they’re gunning to reclaim their title as the undisputed kings of the cobblestones. To achieve this, they’ve not only signed Dylan van Baarle, a rider with a proven track record in the classics, but have also embarked on a radical transformation of his training regimen. After a challenging season that left him struggling to find his rhythm, the Belgian team has hit the reset button, determined to restore him to the form that saw him conquer Paris-Roubaix in 2022.
The V8 Engine Analogy: A Game-Changer?
The team’s performance staff spent the winter dissecting why van Baarle’s performance had plateaued in recent years. According to his new trainer at Soudal Quick-Step, Michel Geerinck, the high-intensity, rigid structure of his previous team may have stifled his natural physiology. The solution? A return to high-volume, low-intensity training—a strategy Geerinck likens to fueling a V8 engine. “Riders of Dylan’s caliber are like V8 engines,” Geerinck explains. “They need massive volume to perform at their peak. In recent years, he felt this aspect was missing. We’ve reintroduced those long hours at lower intensity.”
This approach isn’t just about rebuilding endurance; it’s about reigniting the engine that once made van Baarle a force to be reckoned with in long-distance races. “We’ve reintroduced intensity triggers to prepare him for race finales,” Geerinck adds. “When I shared this plan, Dylan immediately connected it to his most successful years.” And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about physical training—it’s about aligning the strategy with the rider’s natural strengths.
A Surprising Partnership: The Monaco Connection
Another intriguing element of this overhaul is the newfound partnership between van Baarle and his teammate, Jasper Stuyven. Despite both living in Monaco for years, they rarely trained together—until now. “I intentionally brought them closer,” Geerinck admits. “Now, I see them growing as a unit. When you train together, the impact is multiplied.” This collaboration isn’t just about camaraderie; it’s about leveraging shared strengths to elevate both riders’ performance.
Geerinck also highlights striking similarities between the two: “Jasper and Dylan share many traits. We’ve shifted Dylan’s focus entirely to classics, letting go of any half-climber tendencies.” This laser-focused approach could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
Beating the ‘Aliens’: A Tactical Battle
The team is under no illusions about the challenge posed by cycling’s modern-day titans, Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar. “They’re extreme athletes,” Geerinck acknowledges. “To beat them, you need a flawless plan.” But here’s the bold claim: “Give Van Baarle a 20-second lead, and he’s unstoppable.” Recent physical tests suggest he’s already back to his peak, a confidence booster for both rider and team.
To ensure he’s fresh for the Monuments, Soudal - Quick-Step has crafted a tailored schedule. Unlike many rivals, van Baarle will skip major stage races in March, opting for a training camp in Andorra instead. “It gives him more rest ahead of the Flemish classics,” Geerinck explains. “Let’s hope it all falls into place.”
The Million-Dollar Question: Will It Work?
This strategy is as bold as it is unconventional. By prioritizing volume over intensity and fostering a unique partnership between riders, Soudal - Quick-Step is betting big on van Baarle’s resurgence. But is this the right approach, or are they overlooking something? Could this be the blueprint for beating the ‘aliens,’ or is it a recipe for burnout? We’ll have to wait and see. What do you think? Is this the future of classics training, or a risky experiment? Let’s debate in the comments!
