Upcoming collaboration between two Belgian teams: "Merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty"

The merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty would therefore be a necessity rather than a luxury. Lotto, which has been pro-continental since 2023, has been trying to secure additional funding for the team for some time. The team, which includes Arnaud De Lie, appears to be on track for a WorldTour license, given its current position in the UCI rankings.

The Walloon team, Intermarché-Wanty, with Dutchman Aike Visbeek as sporting director, is also seeking additional funding. According to sources at Sporza, a letter of intent has been signed between the two teams. “Further talks will now determine how the collaboration will take shape,” they report.

During the Tour broadcast on Belgian media, analyst and former sports director José de Cauwer discussed the news, which the 75-year-old himself announced to the world. “Both teams are facing financial concerns and need money to be competitive and viable in the WorldTour. They have found each other and will now explore this further.”

A merger between the two teams will not be arranged overnight. Both teams already have around 30 riders under contract, which means that not all riders will be involved in the merger. Both teams also have a development team, and Lotto has a women's team. “There is still a lot to be clarified. Think of the bicycle brands, the service course, etc.,” said De Cauwer.

When the merger actually takes place, Belgium will have one less professional team. "Yes, but in this peloton, you have to meet even more incredible demands than before. There is a great deal involved in terms of support. That costs almost more than the cycling team itself. No, I wouldn't call this a shock. Okay, some riders may be victims. That's a shame, but there's the law of supply and demand."

Sep Vanmarcke also sees no negative developments in a possible merger on Sporza Tour on Radio 1. ‘If it helps cycling and if a team can continue to exist, then that's great. But a top Belgian team will disappear, while Flanders-Baloise also has to fight for sponsors. Belgium is a small cycling country where everyone is fishing for sponsors in the same pond. Unless you go international, but then you're no longer typically Belgian.’