Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance – Soudal will aim to bring the close bond between themselves and their followers even closer, with the launch of a new phase of their #PartOfThePack mental health awareness initiative.
Launched in September 2023, the #PartOfThePack of the campaign aimed to remove the stigmas traditionally associated with talking about personal mental health and enabling conversations around the subject. To do this we have again partnered Tele-Onthaal, a Belgian based organisation who offer support and help to those who are struggling with their mental health, as well as partnering similar organisations, based in countries across the world.
To help spread the message even further, we have teamed up with some of our sponsors and partners to help show that is not just athletes who need to look after their mental health. Our partners have nominated their mental health champions, and we have paired each with one of our riders so that they can share experiences of looking after their mental health. This highlights the similarities, whether it be a world champion or an everyday person, and how important it is for everyone to look after their personal wellbeing.
Speaking at the launch of the new phase of the campaign, Soudal Quick-Step sprinter Tim Merlier said: “I think it is really important that we encourage people to talk about their mental health. Everyday life is a tough place for a lot of people right now and sometimes I think it is easy to think of us as just athletes who live in a different world. But as a new father, I too have the pressures of looking after my family and I can relate to Kris and how we have a similar outlook.”
Renson HR Director Kris Lambrecht agreed, saying, “I am a cycling fan and when you see Tim and the team racing and being successful, it feels like a world away. Being involved with the #PartOfThePack campaign has helped me relate more to Tim and the team, such as discovering that we both use being outdoors to help clear our minds and find some quite moments after a stressful day.”
Rider Sarah Gigante of AG Insurance – Soudal also said: “It’s great that more and more people are feeling comfortable with talking about their mental health struggles and it’s really important that we keep the conversation on mental health open through campaigns such as #PartOfThePack. In the cycling world, it is totally normal to mention rehabbing from a broken collarbone or injured knee, but mental health is every bit as important as physical health and I’m glad that initiatives like this are making it more common to discuss.”
Jennifer Pots of Tele-Onthaal added: “At Tele-Onthaal, we believe that talking about your mental health is the first step toward healing. Vulnerability is a source of strength, and sharing our challenges helps create meaningful connections. It's time we make mental health as discussable as physical health. Initiatives like #PartOfThePack help normalize these conversations and break the stigma. Our helpline provides a safe and confidential space where everyone can share their story. By encouraging inner strength and resilience, we help individuals cope with life's challenges and grow. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always within reach.”
About Tele-Onthaal
Tele-Onthaal is a Belgian anonymous telephone and chat emergency service providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress or struggling with mental problems., 24/7. As an accessible and confidential listening ear, Tele-Onthaal provides a safe haven for anyone in need of support. Tele-Onthaal is available, at any time, to any person wishing to make contact, regardless of his/her age, sex, religion or nationality.
And let that be exactly what we have in common with the sport of cycling and with Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance – Soudal we are open to everyone: young, old, poor, rich, high or low educated, male or female,...
For more information on the campaign, please visit our dedicated website – https://itstartswithus.soudal-quickstepteam.com/en/about/partofthepack