Intermarché-Wanty riders move on to new teams ahead of merger with Lotto

STRIJLAND, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 21: Gerben Thijssen of Belgium and Team Intermarche - Wanty on third place poses on the podium ceremony after the 22nd Gooikse Pijl 2025 a 195.8km one day race from Roosdaal to Strijland on September 21, 2025 in Strijland, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)
Gerben Thijssen is the latest Intermarché-Wanty rider on the move ahead of the team's merger with Lotto (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Lotto-Intermarché merger is finally drawing to a conclusion as riders – largely from Intermarché-Wanty – are finding employment elsewhere for next season.

Several of the Belgian team's riders, including Louis Meintjes, Adrien Petit, and Simone Petilli, are retiring at the end of the season, while Laurenz Rex is on his way to Soudal-QuickStep.

"I think Uno-X Mobility is a fantastic team – a team that has really taken a step up and is now established at the top level, while still holding onto its Nordic identity," the former Danish road champion said.

The 24-year-old was a key part of Biniam Girmay's support squad at Intermarché-Wanty, though he's keen to take on more leadership responsibilities at his new team.

"I want to take on more responsibilities. My goal is to win again as soon as possible! I enjoy the Classics and stage races, and I want to perform at my best in them. I would like to thank Intermarché-Wanty for helping me take the next step, especially by supporting Biniam Girmay.

"I immediately felt a strong connection and good chemistry with Raphaël Jeune. We are truly aligned, and I'm confident my integration into the team will go smoothly."

Elsewhere, Gerben Thijssen looks set to be the next rider to move on. The 27-year-old Belgian is under contract with his current team to the end of 2027, but Intermarché-Wanty riders are free to leave given the merger, with Lotto taking over the licence.

It remains to be seen how many Intermarché-Wanty riders will move over to the newly merged team, with Lotto currently having 18 riders under contract for 2026 or beyond.

The new-look squad will no doubt hope to hang on to high-profile riders including Louis Barré, Jonas Putsch, and Georg Zimmermann. Star rider Biniam Girmay's future is also up in the air, with links to Israel-Premier Tech emerging in recent weeks.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro Léon.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.