Remco Evenepoel loses key climbing assistant

Remco Evenepoel and Soudal Quick-Step will no longer be able to count on Jan Hirt’s services in 2025. The 33-year-old climber will move to Israel-Premier Tech at the end of the season.

“Jan is a great asset to our team,” said team manager Kjell Carlstrom in a press release. “He is the type of rider who works hard for his teammates, but can also take on a leadership role if given the opportunity. Just look at his eighth place finish at this year’s Giro d’Italia. We look forward to giving him more opportunities when he joins us next year, especially when it comes to Grand Tours and stage races. Jan will also be a great mentor to our up and coming riders.”

The Czech climber knows that his years of experience can come in handy. “I see how the Israel-Premier Tech team is improving every year and I believe in the future of the team. I am very happy to be part of it for the next two years. I want to support the team in the difficult stages of the races where I can apply my vast experience. My main goal is to strengthen the team in the Grand Tours, in the next chapter of the team.

Hirt is part of a permanent climbing team that usually supports double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel in most of his goals, along with Mikel Landa, Ilan van Wilder and Louis Verwaeke. Patrick Lefevere has already brought Maximilian Schachmann into the team ahead of 2025, who could also play a role for the Belgian leader thanks to his climbing legs.