According to Marca, the merger between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step is nearing completion. According to the Spanish newspaper, members of the Belgian team were informed by Soudal Quick-Step management on Sunday afternoon. Cyclists were informed that they would have the option to seek opportunities with other teams if they were not interested in joining the new team resulting from the merger.
This would also mean that Remco Evenepoel could move elsewhere. According to L’Équipe, the world time trial champion would be happy to take advantage of this opportunity. “As soon as the merger is completed and Plugge’s company takes over, all of Patrick Lefevere’s riders’ contracts will expire. Evenepoel just needs to sign his contract with INEOS Grenadiers. This can be settled in five minutes,” said a prominent agent familiar with the matter, to the French sports newspaper.
GCN Channel Denies MARCA News
According to the British GCN channel, Marca’s information is incorrect. The team and several agents deny that the riders have been informed, writes Chief Editor Daniel Benson on social media.