Rick van Slyke, longtime sports director for Patrick Lefebvre's team since 2001, has moved to Alpecin Deceuninck for the 2023 season.

Van Slyke, 59, was a professional from 1986 to 1999, most notably in Histo and Lot, where he won the Nokele course in 1989. [It later merged with Quickstep-Davitamon to become Sourdal-Quickstep.

Het Nieuwsblad (opens in new tab) reported in October that van Slyke's contract extension was not forthcoming amid several departures from the team's support staff.

However, Van Slycke would not face leaving the World Tour for long, and Alpecin Deceuninck quickly hired him as sporting director for his first World Tour appearance in 2023.

"I am very happy and honored to be part of the World Team in 2023," van Slyke said of his new position.

"Alpecin Deceuninck has already established itself, but is still a developing team. I hope to use my years of experience at the highest level to my advantage."

Brian Holm also announced his retirement from cycling in September, ending his tenure with Quick Step. Performance director Ricardo Scheidecker also announced his move to Tudor Pro Cycling in 2023.

The staff at Soudal Quickstep will be bolstered by former rider Iljo Keisse, who will move from rider to sport director in 2022.

Van Slyke joins Alpecin-Desseuninck team boss Christoph Rudhoeft and his brother and sport director Philippe Rudhoeft. 2023 team members include Mathieu van der Pol, Jasper Philipsen and UCI gravel world champion Gianni Fermersch.