The Dutch online cycling media, Wielerflits, broke the news on Sunday that Jumbo/Visma and Soudal-Quickstep are considering a merger of their teams starting in 2024.
Wielerflits reported the following on their website: “Since mid-July, Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step have been in discussions about forming a merger team by 2024. Several sources have confirmed this to WielerFlits. Richard Plugge will become the team’s CEO. Merijn Zeeman becomes head coach. Patrick Lefevere becomes a member of the team’s Supervisory Board. According to insiders, it is only a matter of time before this spectacular and surprising merger is completed.”
In a private email, obtained by the Global Cycling Network (GCN), Patrcick Lefevere explained to his Soudal-Quickstep team that “there have been ongoing discussions with various parties over the past few months,” but added that “there are no concrete projects or plans at the moment.” While Lefevere acknowledged the uncertainty that such reports can cause for riders about their future, he also emphasized the need to stay focus and committed on the end of season goals. In his email he also stated, “if this [situation]changes, you will be informed.”
Needless to say, the impact of such a merger would have many consequences – good and bad – for not only the two teams involved, but for the pro peloton, fans, sponsors, and the general future of pro cycling.
