Soudal-Quick Step has announced a two-year deal with 23-year-old Valentin Palais-Pantre, who took a Giro d'Italia stage win this year at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.

Palais-Pantre took a solo victory on stage 10 of the Giro, escaping from veteran climbers like Romain Bardet and Yann Tratnick on the 18km Bocca della Selva finish climb. At the end of the Giro, rumors circulated that Quick-Step was interested in signing him.

He also showed promise as an overall class racer this season, finishing fourth in the Tour of the Alps and in the top 10 in the Tour Down Under.

“I'm very happy to be joining the team for the next two years. I've watched this team make history in some of the biggest races in the world and I'm excited to be a part of the team for the next two years.” I remember Tom Boonen winning Paris-Roubaix many times in this jersey and Philippe Gilbert taking memorable victories in Roubaix and Des Rondes. It is a legendary team with much history and tradition and I am proud to be part of it for the next two seasons.”

The 23-year-old will join the team that will support Lemko Evenpoel in the Grand Tour after the transfer of Jan Hilt to Israel Premier Tec.

“My goal is to keep growing, especially to gain experience in stage races from riders like Mikel Landa. My goal is to continue to grow, especially gaining experience from riders like Mikkel Landa. In a race like the Tour de France, I want to be one of the strongest riders in the mountains for the team.

Pare-Paintre joins newcomer Ethan Hayter from Ineos, Max Schachmann from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Dries Van Gestel from Total Energies, and Pascal Enckhorn from Lot Dostony.

Team manager Patrick Lefebvre was pleased to sign the Frenchman. He said, “We were impressed by Valentin's work ethic, his continuous ambition, and his results, including a brilliant stage win at the Giro d'Italia. We are delighted that he has decided to join us. Valentin is a strong addition to our climber contingent and we are confident he will fit in and grow with our team.”