The latest announcement regarding the acquisition of a majority stake in BORA-hansgrohe by global drinks conglomerate Red Bull has certainly caused a stir in the peloton. With several top company-sponsored cyclists linked to other teams, the question arises whether they will be able to join BORA-Hansgrohe soon.
Drivers’ agent Dries Smets expressed his opinion on the matter in a conversation with Sporza, highlighting that the idea that Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock will quickly move to BORA-hansgrohe seems too simplistic.
“I wouldn’t say that Van Aert or Pidcock will actually end up in the German team. Especially as there are still ongoing commitments with their current teams.”
Primoz Roglic’s transfer may have been under Red Bull’s supervision
As for Primoz Roglic’s move to BORA-hansgrohe, Smets speculates that Red Bull may have played a significant role in that deal, suggesting the company may have offered substantial behind-the-scenes financial support.
The Slovenian’s move was quickly linked to Red Bull, but team manager Ralph Denk denied this at the time. According to the German, the transfer was financed with its own resources, with a fund that Bora had created.
Investment of 5 million Euros
This explanation raises questions. Because Bora had never used that fund before and that fund was so full that a salary from an investment of around 5 million euros and a one-off payment to Roglic (there is talk of 3 million euros) could be put on the table without problems?
For a company like Red Bull, these sums are insignificant. Furthermore, during contract negotiations, Roglic was also seen at the Red Bull Performance Center in Salzburg.
BORA-Hansgrohe sign of financial strength
“But I understood that Red Bull was in charge and made a financial effort. This is a first sign of the team’s financial strength.”
“Don’t forget that Roglic’s story is that of a former ski jumper”, highlights sports marketer Wim Lagae, remembering that Red Bull has a long history of sponsorships related to skiing.
“After a bad fall, he revealed that he had a talent for cycling during his rehabilitation. In fact, he has a Red Bull story in his bag and it is no coincidence that Roglic helps color the whole picture,” added Lagae.
