Lotto-Intermarché Merger Causes Rider Uncertainty
Adam Hansen, President of the CPA riders' union, criticized the ongoing Lotto-Intermarché merger process as "dishonest" towards riders and agents. The merger has been in progress since it was first announced during the Tour de France.
Although the new team submitted its WorldTour license paperwork last month, the final squad remains undecided publicly. Hansen described the situation as "a dream situation" for the team, having more contracted riders across Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty than available positions.
“The teams can decide whether or not to keep a rider, but the rider himself can't do anything to leave,” said Hansen.
For 2026, only 30 spots exist for 43 previously contracted riders. To address this, Hansen organized a meeting with the UCI and both team managers, demanding a list of riders who would be excluded.
“Meeting the riders left out was tough. Riders trust their agents, but the team wasn't just dishonest with the riders but also the agents.”
Uncertainty about roster spots continues into the year-end, especially with Biniam Girmay's future unresolved, affecting the remaining team places.
Summary: The Lotto-Intermarché merger has created a difficult and unfair situation for many riders, with more contracted cyclists than available spots and a lack of transparency from team management.
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