🎥 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤: @tim_declercq & @nikiterpstra
During our training camp in @calpeturismo , the two Soudal Quick-Step legends talked about returning to the team - this time as part of the staff - favourite memories from their time as riders, and hopes for the cobbled Classics.
👀🔗 Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel via the link in bio
#TheWolfpack I @sam_has_a_camera
New role. Same passion
Ready for new adventures. No longer in front of the bunch, now behind but still helping others to achieve their best performance 🐺💙
Thank you for the opportunity te become a coach @soudalquickstepteam@jurgen_fore
Episode 5️⃣ van WINTER MILES, SUMMER SMILES met coureur op (nu ja) rust, Tim Declercq AKA El tractor 🚜
Over blijven gas geven, de Poggio van Koekelare en een schortje voor den afwas 🤓
Follow for more miles & episodes
#wintermilessummersmiles #cycling #nopainnogain💪
Tim, Clercqn G, El Tractor, we go way back mate!
Since 2010 team mates in different teams: from riding in kermesse races to debuting in Tour de France together and representing Belgium in the Worlds/Europeans. Highlights on the bike that I will cherish for a lifetime, but even more all the memories that are made since then, off the bike.
I can honestly say that you are the best compagnon I could have in these last 15 years. Thank you for all the laughs, the motivational peptalks, the AOE clashes, and also, the discussions 😅.
Our story isn't finished yet, as you will find your new passion as a trainer, back in our beloved team, @soudalquickstepteam .
Congrats on your amazing career, you can be super proud of it.
El Tractor will be missed in front of the peloton!
Yesterday saw @tim_declercq hang up his wheels for the final time 🤝
It won’t be the same without seeing you on the front of the peloton, selflessly towing everyone with a smile on your face ( and a grimace on everyone else’s )🤩
Tim, it’s been a real pleasure!
Now it’s time to sow a new chapter, El Tractor 🚜
📸 @gettysport
"When I announced my retirement at the end of July, I was really surprised by the reaction it prompted on Instagram. I won two smaller races at the beginning of my career but never a UCI pro race, and I was never really made for a life in the spotlight, so to have so many messages from my colleagues, so many of them legends of the sport, it really hit me and meant a lot. I actually didn’t realise how appreciated I was. In the bunch everyone is on the limit and always stressed, and there are a lot of arguments among riders in the heat of the moment, so it was nice to read those comments and see that maybe I wasn’t the biggest arsehole of the bunch after all!
Most people assume because of my nickname that I have a background in farming, but that’s not actually true. In 2017, during my first race for Quick-Step at the Vuelta a San Juan, an Argentinian commentator called me ‘El Tractor’ because I was pulling the peloton for the whole race. The team’s PR manager asked me if I liked the nickname and I said I did, it suits me, because I know I’m certainly not ‘El Ferrari’! From then on, that’s what I’ve been known as. It’s nice to have a nickname that resonates quite well with who I am and what I’m good at."
My life at the front of the peloton, by Tim 'El Tractor' Declercq
Read the full piece via the link in bio 🔗
✍️ - @tim_declercq
El tractor >>> El derny
@rvangucht met als gangmaker @tim_declercq tijdens het Derny Festival Wetteren 2025
#derny #dekoersisvanons #wielrennen #farmfrites
After many years of having the privilege to live the life of a professional cyclist, the time has come to close this beloved chapter of my life at the end of this season
Cycling has given me more than I could ever have imagined — unforgettable memories, incredible highs and lows, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
I want to sincerely thank all the teams I’ve had the honor to ride for, every teammate who stood beside me, the dedicated staff who supported us day in and day out, and above all — my family and especially my wife @traceydebruyne
Your unconditional support, patience, and nightly wake-ups made it all possible.
I’m proud of the journey, grateful for every moment, and excited for what’s coming next
On to new adventures ❤️ #thankyou #rookuitdebuzze
📸 @gettysport@leon_van_bon
Sadly, @thibau_nys and @tim_declercq fell sick overnight with gastrointestinal trouble. As a consequence, both riders are unable to start #BaloiseBelgiumTour Stage 4. Get well soon, guys! 💪🤒
📸 @gettysport
Great week in Kansas to prepare for @unboundgravel . Loved the atmosphere and the build up, but the race itself was a huge disappointment. Just bridged to the front group with a very good feeling when one of those sharp rocks destroyed my tyre. Tried to fix it and after the 2nd flat I still had hopes to finish the race, but the 3th tyre made also that impossible.
Physically I think I was well prepared, but now I know gravel racing requires more then that.
Quite sad to spent all that time and energy for just 60k of racing but I think that’s also part of the experience. Thanks to @lidltrek for giving me this opportunity, @trekdriftless for the material support and especially @traceydebruyne to make this journey still more then worth it
Would love to come back here once for more!
#unfinishedbusiness #rookuitdebuzze
