The final confirmation of the merger between pro cycling teams Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty was heralded as a "new chapter in international cycling" this week, however, there is a human cost to the decision.

The "unification of two historic Belgian teams", which stretched out over months, has created a squad of 30 riders as Lotto-Intermarché. The lengthy process forced riders into a rush to find new teams for 2026 or retire, with some left in the lurch.

Eight riders moved from the now non-existent Intermarché-Wanty to the new team, while 16 remained from Lotto; the remaining six came mainly from the Lotto or Intermarché development squads. You may like

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