Three Belgian pro teams disappear in two years: should cycling fans be worried?

The disappearance of Flanders–Baloise means a team with 33 years of history and experience in the peloton is coming to an end. Flanders’ leading development team is shutting down, and its demise forms part of a worrying pattern. That is the view of rider Jules Hesters, who expressed his frustration in a powerful message on Instagram .

Hesters, one of the world’s leading track riders, has also competed on the road for Flanders–Baloise since 2022. He must now begin searching for a new team. “I’ve been walking around in an awful mood all day. With Team Flanders–Baloise disappearing, it feels as though a piece of the DNA I carry with me is disappearing too.”

“For five years, I was given the opportunity to develop as a rider within a team that, despite having far fewer resources than its rivals, always did everything it could to get the maximum out of its programme. I’m not ashamed to say that without Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise, I would never have become a professional cyclist in 2022. They gave me an opportunity I probably would never have received otherwise. Perhaps that is why this affects me even more deeply.”

“But what about the late developers? What about riders who are not already regarded as exceptional talents at the age of 18? Where will they be able to go in the future? And what does this mean for the future of Belgian cycling and the development of young talent?” Flanders–Baloise also gave Hesters a place where he could combine track and road racing, and it remains uncertain whether he will be able to continue doing so elsewhere.

The Belgian rider believes the situation facing cycling in his home country is becoming increasingly difficult. Wagner Bazin WB, a Walloon professional team, was forced to close its doors last year. “And last year, Intermarché–Wanty also disappeared as a Belgian team. Together, that means around 50 fewer professional contracts. It makes me sad and concerned.”

Flanders–Baloise has been forced to stop after the Flemish government decided to end its funding of the project. Hesters did not hide his feelings about the decision. “I’m disappointed in the people who questioned this project politically. Above all, however, I am 101 per cent grateful to everyone who was part of this fantastic institution over the years.”

It is not only the riders who must now hope to retain their place in the peloton. Staff members at the Flemish team also face an uncertain future. “Colleagues, soigneurs, mechanics, sports directors and everyone working behind the scenes… thank you. It was a privilege to work with you. Hopefully, we can make 2026 and this project’s final season into one last beautiful chapter,” Hesters concluded.