Lotto-Intermarché finally get WorldTour-approval after tumultuous merger as full squad is revealed

Since the summer, the merger between Lotto and Intermarché–Wanty has been one of the most talked-about developments in professional cycling. After months of tension, uncertainty and administrative hurdles, the moment has finally arrived: Lotto–Intermarché has officially been granted WorldTour status. A major step forward for the Belgian organisation, which can now finally look ahead.

The licence application was submitted just in time in October. The months that followed were filled with uncertainty - not only for the organisation but also for the riders and staff. Many athletes and employees were forced to look for new opportunities. While riders such as Biniam Girmay and Gerben Thijssen quickly found new teams, Tom Paquot (26) and Jonas Gregaard (29) ultimately left the sport entirely.

But from December onwards, it has been all about celebrating the team’s WorldTour confirmation. The UCI has now officially given the green light. “Today, thanks to the uniting of two historic Belgian teams, a new chapter begins in international cycling,” said CEO Jean-François Bourlart. The Women’s team, Lotto Intermarché Ladies, will continue at the ProTeam level.

With the announcement, Lotto–Intermarché has finally been able to publish its full roster. Among them the expected names, with Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt presented as the mean leaders of the squad. Other key names are the youngster Jarno Widar, Jenno Berckmoes and cyclocross rider Toon Aerts. So no, Louis Barré, who is expected to sign with Visma | Lease a Bike.

“With leaders Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt, supported by a strong core and guided by experienced road captains such as Jasper De Buyst and Taco van der Hoorn, we can set ambitious goals to win races at the highest level,” said Sports Manager Kurt Van de Wouwer. “At the same time, we continue to focus on developing young talent. Newly crowned European champion Jarno Widar joins the professional squad, and with Huub Artz and Felix Ørn-Kristoff we add two more former European champions from the youth categories.”