The potential merger agreement between the Jumbo-Visma team and Soudal – Quick-Step has been the main topic of discussion in the cycling world since the news first came to light. Johan Bruyneel, with his extensive experience in cycling mergers, maintains the perspective that a surprising twist in the story cannot be completely ruled out.
“This says a lot about the uncertainty in professional cycling,” Bruyneel assesses in his podcast, The Move, which he regularly uses to convey his opinions on professional cycling, alongside Lance Armstrong. “I think the INEOS Grenadiers also have a role in this game. They are the sponsors of the three teams that are now working to solve the problem.”
Bruyneel himself was involved in the last major merger in cycling when the team now known as Lidl-Trek was formed. “Jim Ratcliffe (owner of INEOS) sees this as a small operation. Patrick Lefevere would have indicated to Zdenek Bakala (owner of Quick-Step) that his team will continue with or without Remco Evenepoel.”
Johan Bruyneel believes that the merger with Soudal Quick-Step is more attractive for Jumbo-Visma than the rumored Saudi interest, which involves potential sponsorship from the Neom group and the city in Saudi Arabia.
“They have an infinite budget, but they are only interested in an acquisition and not a sponsorship deal. I understand that Richard Plugge doesn’t like it. It shouldn’t be allowed, but I fear it’s a serious possibility. I started thinking about it and asked some questions, and now I think it might just happen. In any case, it would be a big surprise.”