The news of the merger of two of the biggest teams in the professional cycling peloton has reverberated worldwide. However, in Belgium, the impact is even greater because one of the teams involved is Soudal Quick-Step, a traditional Belgian team with a history of cycling victories.
Former Belgian cyclist Jan Bakelants, who retired at the end of last year and is now working as a commentator, had two stints with the Belgian team in 2014 and during the seasons between 2010 and 2011, in teams led by Patrick Lefevere (Head of Soudal Quick-Step). Bakelants doesn’t mince words when criticizing the merger.
In a conversation with the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, Bakelants states, “I’m still hoping it’s not true. The potential negative consequences of this acquisition for cycling are enormous. A strong sports entity should veto it.”
“The entire sport will be embarrassed if this continues. If this acquisition goes through, riders will be let go and will only be able to join teams that are less financially stable, haven’t done their homework, or simply aren’t good.”
Jan Bakelants concludes with harsh criticism of Jumbo-Visma:
“The explanation given by the teams is: we have to do this to compete with the Middle East. I’ve never read such nonsense. If any team wrecked everything, it’s been Jumbo-Visma. So the Middle Eastern teams should form some sort of cartel against Jumbo-Visma.”
