Girmay’s future in doubt after merger Intermarché-Wanty and Lotto: "A possible outcome"

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. However, a top Belgian team will likely disappear, while Flanders-Baloise also faces competition 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."

However, this could be less favorable news for riders, as each team is only allowed to have a maximum of thirty riders under contract. “It is far from certain that the merged team will be a combination of the best of the two squads," according to HLN. “Riders from teams that are taken over have the option to leave that team under UCI regulations. In the case of Intermarché-Wanty, it is possible that Biniam Girmay will be heading for the exit. He is already being linked with Astana."

In addition, it seems that the Arkéa-B&B Hotels team is coming to an end, which will also free up a lot of riders. Anyone familiar with the basic principles of supply and demand understands that this will result in a lot of riders available for significantly fewer places. The merger therefore seems essential for the team, but for many riders it could turn out to be a bad move...