Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe completes squad by bringing in Belgian sprinter and victim of merger

Not every rider affected by the Lotto–Intermarché merger has managed to secure a new contract. Recently, Tom Paquot was even forced to hang up his bike at just 26 years old. But another Belgian has enjoyed better fortune: Arne Marit has found his new team at Red Bull–BORA-hansgrohe, joining the squad from 2026 onwards.

The 26-year-old sprinter has signed a contract for next season. Marit turned professional with Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise in 2021 and immediately showcased his speed. Later that autumn he claimed his first - and so far only - pro victory at the GP du Morbihan. After another year at Pro Continental level, he stepped up to the WorldTour with Intermarché–Wanty.

He spent three seasons there, riding the Giro once and the Vuelta twice, consistently securing strong results, including third place on Stage 8 of this year’s Vuelta a España. But with the impending merger between Lotto and Intermarché, he was allowed to look for a new team. Now he has found one - and it marks a significant step up.

Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports of the German team, thus completes the selection. "Arne is a rider who can make an immediate impact in a variety of race situations," he said on the team's website. "His natural speed, race instinct, and reliability across a full season make him a valuable addition to our sprint and classics group."

Given his fourth place in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and a podium finish in the Lotto Famenne Ardenne Classic, Marit is more than just a racer. At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, therefore, they hope to get everything out of the 26-year-old Belgian. "Importantly, he is also a rider with clear development potential – and we are confident we can take the next step together."

Marit cannot believe he will make this move. "I remember talking to my girlfriend about what my dream team would be, and my answer was Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. For me, this is truly a dream coming true. The team has an outstanding performance staff, and I’m confident I can take the next step in my career here."

At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the sprinter joins a team with more than enough experienced men, but he already yearns to work with one man. "I’m especially looking forward to learning from Danny van Poppel when it comes to sprinting – one of my strengths, alongside the classics. I can’t wait for the team camp, to meet everyone and get this new adventure started.”