Lefevere laughs at news on Van Gils' messy breakup with Lotto Dstny: "Is this for real?"

In an earlier post, we already summarized an overview of the developments. Van Gils said he wanted to leave, but in consultation with his team. The team, in turn, was shocked by the request of the 25-year-old classics specialist. The team and rider did reconcile and wanted to part ways, and in the meantime, Astana Qazastan would provide the best deal. That's how things were until Thursday morning. Now, there is a new twist.

Lotto Dstny and Van Gils supposedly have agreed that the rider can leave. The Belgian team will receive the contract termination fee, giving them a nice bonus, regardless of the sportive loss. But who will pay the fee and take over Van Gils? According to the Belgian outlet, it would be Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, and the team has already strengthened tremendously for the classics in the spring. Astana Qazaqstan and INEOS Grenadiers are also competing.

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According to the outlet, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe would be Van Gils's preferred choice. For that reason, not Astana but the German team is now the best candidate to obtain the climber's services. But now another team is on the horizon, namely INEOS Grenadiers. Whether these new developments will have any impact on the outcome, we will surely know soon. After all, 2025 is approaching, and this saga will have to be resolved by then.

Lefevere even claimed Thursday on X that he has known his future team for some time. The distinctive Soudal-Quick Step team boss laughed at a news item from Sporza asking where Van Gils will go in 2025. "Is this for real? Everyone knows that," Lefevere wrote boldly.

Meanwhile, there is speculation about Van Gils' new team and the young Belgians' departure from Lotto Dstny. His team said farewell to the young talent. "Today it's unfortunate that we part ways, but we came to a mutual agreement with Maxim and his management A&J All Sports and I'm happy that now we can close this case. If this change makes him happier and helps him to continue growing, we won't stand in his way."

The words of team boss Stephane Heulot continued, "Maxim came into our team as a young talent, he's one of the great examples of our DNA to give chances to young riders and help them grow into the best possible rider. With the help and guidance of the team, he made the step to the pro peloton in 2021 and proved to be a golden talent and we look back with a good feeling on the story we wrote together. Over the past years, we have made it our mission to provide young talents with a home where they can grow and build their careers with the utmost professionalism. When they eventually spread their wings, it is something we can truly be proud of."

Van Gils himself also expressed his gratitude to his team. "I cherish so many beautiful memories with the team. I am grateful that Lotto Dstny allowed me to turn pro as one of their U23 riders. Thanks to this team and its sponsors, I was able to grow and take the steps to be the rider I am today. I will always look back on this period with a big smile, even if I ride in a different jersey next year. I will never forget my second family at Lotto Dstny."