Tom Steels was one of Belgium's most successful sprinters of the 1990s and early 2000s, a multiple national champion and Tour de France stage winner. His racing career gives him instant authority with fast men because he understands the stress, timing, and violence of sprint finishes from inside the wheels.
As a sports director, Steels became part of Quick-Step's famous finishing-school culture: lead-outs, Classics positioning, and the art of converting a chaotic finale into a clean launch. The team has changed executives and leaders, but that sprint craft remains one of its core competitive advantages.
For the 2026 Tour, Steels matters because Tim Merlier's sprint chances will be decided before the final 200 metres. Route reading, wind calls, lead-out discipline, and when to spend domestiques are all car decisions before they become TV pictures.
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The squad
Tom Steels is part of the Soudal Quick-Step story at the 2026 Tour — see the full team page.
