Report: Intermarché-Wanty and Lotto in merger talks for 2026
A potential merger between the two Belgian teams has been reported by Sporza, Het Nieuwsblad and Het Laatste Nieuws on Thursday.
Belgian teams Intermarché-Wanty and Lotto are reportedly in advanced talks to merge operations, with both teams seeking financial stability to enhance their competitiveness at WorldTour level.
Talks of a merger were reported during the live broadcast of stage 12 of the Tour de France when commentator José De Cauwer revealed that both teams have already outlined the foundational aspects of a potential collaboration.
"The intention is for the teams to merge," De Cauwer said in the Sporza commentary box during stage 12 of the Tour de France.
"A lot still needs to be sorted out. Think of the bicycle brands, the service course, etc. But both teams are facing financial concerns and need funding to be WorldTour-worthy and viable. They've found common ground and will now explore this further."
Lotto celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2025 as they aim to gain promotion to the WorldTour, while Intermarché-Wanty are currently in the WorldTour but looking over their shoulders with slight discomfort with the relegation battle currently ongoing, not too far away from them.
Kurt Van de Wouwer, sports director at Lotto, expressed optimism about the potential partnership between the two teams.
"To have a team at WorldTour level, we need to be financially stronger, and this is one way to achieve that. "We're putting together a puzzle, and it seems to be coming together. The plans don't necessarily have to come at the expense of riders and staff."
Several key questions remain unanswered about the potential merger, including which riders and staff will remain with the merged team, what the new team name would be and who would provide the equipment. Currently, Lotto ride Orbea bicycles while Intermarché-Wanty use Cube bikes.
With a potential merger comes the likelihood of riders and staff losing their jobs, and this is something that De Cauwer also acknowledged. "There might be riders who are victims. That's a shame, but there's the law of supply and demand."
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty have signed an agreement stating their intention to merge, and further details will be revealed soon, potentially on Monday during the second rest day of the Tour.
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