Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty merger faces obstacles as UCI deadline looms

The planned merger between Belgian cycling teams Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty faces significant obstacles with just days before the UCI's mid-October deadline, including a €2.5 million debt and widespread staff uncertainty following unexpected layoffs, according to reports fromHet Laatste Nieuws. Though it is still expected that the merger will go through once these hurdles are navigated, with Sporza reporting the license application has already been submitted ahead of the UCI's October 15 deadline. 

The financial shortfall from Intermarché-Wanty, representing approximately 15% of their total annual budget, has become the primary sticking point in finalising the deal that was enthusiastically first reported on in July during the Tour de France.

What began with ambitious internal talk of creating "a team for the top five in the World Tour" has been tempered by financial realities. Intermarché-Wanty is reportedly selling team assets, including buses, to generate cash, while Lotto has cut nine staff positions despite previous assurances that jobs were secure.

"We will be communicating next week," stated Lotto's Board of Directors when approached for comment by Het Laatste Nieuws on the redundancies, which included three mechanics, two caregivers, the head doctor, commercial director, marketer, and logistics employee.

The layoffs have created significant workplace tension, with Lotto staff feeling "lied to and abandoned", according to sources within the team. This comes after team members were specifically gathered at their Temse service course in July and told no one needed to fear for their jobs.

The merger's leadership structure appears settled, with Jean-François Bourlart, from Intermarché-Wanty, becoming CEO, Aike Visbeek heading performance, and Kurt Van de Wouwer serving as sporting manager. Former Lotto CEO Stéphane Heulot has already departed.

Rider selection presents another challenge. With both teams combined having 38 riders under contract for next season, eight more than UCI regulations allow, difficult decisions lie ahead in terms of finalising the potential team roster. As Lotto will be the "paying agent" holding the cycling license, their riders' contracts automatically transfer to the new team, while Intermarché-Wanty riders are technically free to go elsewhere.

The big question mark remains over Biniam Girmay, Intermarché-Wanty's star, who has been rumoured to join Israel-Premier Tech, the team that announced on Monday that they will move away from their current Israeli identity from the 2026 season onwards. Sources close to the Eritrean rider claim nothing has been signed, and he might still ride for the merged team for another year.

"The rider isn't necessarily opposed to the Belgian merger project," sources in Girmay's entourage suggest, according to Het Laatste Nieuws, potentially keeping him alongside Arnaud De Lie as the team's frontmen. With Lennert Van Eetvelt and recently crowned under-23 European champion Jarno Widar, the team could maintain its strongest assets, which could help the new project kick on in a positive direction if it comes to fruition.

Despite these challenges, the merger team has reportedly submitted its license application ahead of the October 15 deadline, according to Sporza, suggesting confidence that the deal will proceed. The developmental teams will continue independently, while the women's team will be promoted from Continental to ProTeam status, enabling participation in major races like the Tour of Flanders.

All remaining details are expected to be finalised within 2-3 weeks, with riders and staff scheduled to meet for talks in late October.