The duo will get a trial period in the ranks of the World Tour team classification leader.
The final months of the season will bring a big opportunity to Mikkel Frølich Honoré (Team Waoo) and Barnabás Peák (World Cycling Center), who will join Quick-Step Floors – the most successful outfit of the year – for several races, as trainees.
Mikkel Frølich Honoré (21 years) comes from Denmark, but moved to Belgium when he turned 18 and lived in Geel – where also Brian Holm and Jesper Skibby once resided – and is backed by the numerous solid results he has scored in the past two years, which underline his remarkable versatility, from soloing to victory at the Circuit de Wallonie and cracking the top 10 at Gent-Wevelgem, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Piccolo Giro di Lombardia to finishing fourth at the Istrian Spring Trophy and 12th at the prestigious Girobio.
"I look forward to joining Quick-Step Floors. The news is coming after a tough period where I have been sidelined for six weeks due to a broken scaphoid. I hope I can find the race speed during August and arrive in top shape to help the team and prove myself. I can't wait to get out there and learn a lot about race tactics and winning races. There is something special with this team, with the wolfpack mentality, that I can't wait to become part of. Quick-Step Floors win many races with different types of riders, who all become good riders here, and that's why I am happy and proud to get this opportunity and the trust of the team", said Mikkel, who is now living in Italy after two years in Belgium.
Hailing from Hungary, Barnabás Peák is just 19 years of age and comes recommended by the National ITT Title he won five weeks ago against more seasoned riders after putting over two minutes into his opponents, his impressive display of power at Vuelta al Bidasoa – where he finished all four stages in the top 10 on his way to an impressive third overall – and the runner-up spot he got at last season's Tour of Hungary, which he finished just two seconds off first place after outshining many experienced pro riders.
"It was my dream since I started cycling to see if I could join a World Tour team one day, but I never thought it would be the best team in the world. I can't wait to race in the Quick-Step Floors jersey. When I attended the team's training camp last December, I was a bit nervous, with all the big riders and very professional staff, but they immediately made me feel welcome, so I can't wait to rejoin them", an excited Barnabás said. "I certainly hope to learn a lot, especially about race tactics, where I think Quick-Step Floors is the best team to learn from. I will be there to do my best, to show what I am capable of, ride for the team or try myself if I will get the chance."
Quick-Step Floors trainer Koen Pelgrim has kept a close eye on the two U23 riders as they emerged through the ranks, got to test and know them better since last year, when the team began monitoring the two, and is now eager to see how they will fare against the pros.
"Both Mikkel and Barnabás are talented and strong all-rounders, riders who can do a bit of everything: climb, put in a solid sprint or do a good time trial. We tested them in the past and could see they have a strong engine, possess a lot of power and are very versatile. The plan is to give them a the chance to learn from the pros and provide them with a few opportunities to show themselves, not just ride at the front from kilometer zero, and I am confident they'll have no problems fitting into the team and feel at home here."
Photo credit: ©Sigfrid Eggers
