Ilan Van Wilder hits out at proposed Soudal Quick-Step and Jumbo-Visma merger – ‘We don’t agree with this s***’

Ilan Van Wilder hit out at the proposed merger between Soudal Quick-Step and Jumbo-Visma after winning the Tre Valli Varesine on Tuesday.

The two teams are reportedly in discussions about a potential merger as early as next year.

Wilder rides for Soudal Quick-Step and the Belgian hinted that others in the outfit share his feelings.

Jumbo-Visma would reportedly be the dominant partner in any combination of the teams, and after briefly discussing his victory in a post-race interview with Eurosport, he moved on to let his feelings be known.

“It’s [been] difficult weeks for us, so this victory is really for my team-mates and for our staff, to show that we don’t agree with all this s***,” he said.

With Jumbo-Visma head Richard Plugge set to retain control of the team, speculation mounts that Soudal Quick-Step would be hit hardest by any combination.

“We want to continue as Soudal Quick-Step,” Van Wilder continued. “We are strong enough and I hope it will be like this.”

Van Wilder dominated at Tre Valli Varesine with a determined solo drive which he likened to a time trial pace, and while he has a contract with his team until 2025, there are no guarantees that he or any other rider will be kept on at Soudal Quick-Step.

That means that some riders are bound to be released, while support staff could also meet the same fate.

Jumbo-Visma achieved an exceptional record of success this year, winning each of the Grand Tours, and dominating the top three spots in the Vuelta a Espana.