Team Flanders-Baloise to fold after 33 years as 15 riders face uncertain futures
The Belgian ProTeam will cease operations at the end of the 2026 season after failing to secure the private funding required to continue.
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Team Flanders Baloise will close at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to one of Belgian cycling’s longest running development projects.
The writing has been on the wall since the Flemish government announced last year that it would withdraw its structural public funding following the 2027 transition window.
Management worked tirelessly to bridge the impending decision, but efforts ultimately failed to secure the necessary private backing to sustain the project.
“It is with great regret that we must announce that Team Flanders-Baloise will cease its activities as a professional cycling team at the end of the 2026 season,” the team stated in a press release.
"Economic and financial realities have unfortunately forced the conclusion of this historic project."
Fifteen riders without contracts
Team Flanders Baloise began the season with 20 riders on its roster.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, Jules Hesters has secured a move to Picnic PostNL, while Tom Crabbe will join Pinarello-Q36.5. Tuur Dens, Noah Vandenbranden and Milan Van Den Haute will continue to receive support through the Flemish government’s track programme.
That leaves 15 riders with no confirmed plans for 2027.
Victor Vercouillie told Domestique that he is still searching for a new team.
Over 33 years and under several names, including Topsport Vlaanderen, the team became a key development pathway for Belgian talent, supporting 218 riders and helping 111 move directly into the WorldTeam or ProTeam ranks.
Growing pressure on ProTeams
The closure of Team Flanders-Baloise comes at a difficult time for the UCI ProTeam division, with several teams facing growing financial pressure.
Equipo Kern Pharma is also searching for new backing after its title sponsor confirmed it will withdraw at the end of 2026, bringing a seven year partnership to a close. During that period, the Spanish team enjoyed its greatest success with three stage victories at the Vuelta a España.
Manager Juanjo Oroz is now looking for a new co-title sponsor to secure the future of the Navarre based team, while several of its leading riders are already attracting interest from WorldTour squads.
TotalEnergies is dealing with its own structural challenges, further underlining the financial gap between the WorldTour and the teams operating at cycling’s second level.
Belgian national champion Rune Herregodts, who began his professional career with Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise, recently warned that the loss of development teams could have lasting consequences for young riders.
Speaking on the Domestique Hotseat, Herregodts reflected on the role the publicly funded team played in giving riders such as himself a route into the professional ranks.
“Without it, some riders who have the potential will never turn professional at all,” he said.
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