The Belgian will be a sports director for the World Tour and Devo squads.
He closed out an impressive 17-year career as a pro rider less than two months ago at Gran Piemonte – where Soudal Quick-Step celebrated its 950th victory – but that doesn’t mean Dries Devenyns will say goodbye to the sport he loves so much. Starting from next season, the 40-year-old Belgian will be back on the road, but this time in a different role, behind the car wheel, as a sports director.
Having been an incredible road captain for the team in the past couple of years, always there to share his huge experience with his younger teammates and always contributing to the squad’s impressive victory tally, Dries will hope to do the same in 2024, as he makes the transition from the bike to the team car, from where he will guide Soudal Quick-Step and the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team.
“I’m very happy and proud! This is a team I’ve always been part of, and to continue the story here… I couldn’t be happier. It wasn’t easy to stop my pro career, but I was fortunate to get this chance, which I grabbed with both hands, and I want to thank everyone here for their confidence. My family is happy and supportive, and can’t wait to see me in this new role.”
“I am looking forward to learning from the other sports directors and to being involved in the development team, which had an amazing season in 2023. There are a lot of talented young riders there. I want to help them discover their potential and make significant progress, so that they eventually make it to the World Tour squad. I am excited to be part of both teams next season as I begin this new road and learn what it means to be a sports director”, a happy Dries said.
“Dries has been an important part of the team in all these years, he is a person who carries that Wolfpack spirit and who we are proud to call a friend. We are delighted that he will continue with us as a sports director this time, as we enter our 22nd season. It will be a new challenge for him, but he loves the sport, he is very passionate about it, and we are confident and excited as we begin this new adventure together”, explained Soudal Quick-Step CEO Patrick Lefevere.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
