“A healthy cycling landscape requires a strong second professional tier”: Team Flanders - Baloise confirms shutdown as riders scramble for 2027 contracts
Cycling
One of Belgian cycling's most important development teams will disappear at the end of the 2026 season. Team Flanders - Baloise has confirmed it will shut down after failing to secure replacement funding, leaving most of its riders searching for new teams and raising fresh concerns about the future of the UCI ProTeam level.
A historic project comes to an end
Team Flanders-Baloise announced on Monday that it will cease operations after the 2026 season, ending a 33-year history that helped launch the careers of hundreds of Belgian professionals.
The decision follows last year's announcement that the Flemish government would withdraw its long-standing structural funding after 2027. Despite extensive efforts to attract new private investment, the team was unable to secure the financial backing needed to continue.
Confirming the news in an official statement, the team expressed its disappointment. “It is with great regret that we must announce that Team Flanders-Baloise will cease its activities as a professional cycling team at the end of the 2026 season. Economic and financial realities have unfortunately forced the conclusion of this historic project.”
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Team management revealed that the loss of government support left an insurmountable gap in the budget. Introducing the reasons behind the closure, the team acknowledged that every effort had been made to keep the project alive.
“After the Flemish Government decided in the middle of last year to withdraw as the main partner from 2027 onwards, despite intensive efforts, it has not been possible to raise sufficient financial resources to continue the team in a sustainable and high-quality manner.”
The team also warned that the problem extends far beyond Belgium. “The disappearance of Team Flanders-Baloise illustrates how challenging it has become today to finance a UCI ProTeam in a sustainable manner.”
The Belgian squad pointed to the growing financial divide between the WorldTour and the second division. “Whereas there were still 27 active UCI ProTeams worldwide in the men's category in 2018, there will be only 16 left in 2026.”
They concluded by calling for broader discussions about the sport's future. “A healthy cycling landscape requires not only strong UCI WorldTeams, but also a strong second professional tier with sufficient UCI ProTeams.”
Tom Crabbe celebrates on the podium after winning stage 4 of the 2026 Vuelta a Andalucia
Fifteen riders still searching for teams
The closure leaves much of the current roster facing an uncertain future. While Jules Hesters is reportedly set to join Picnic PostNL, and Tom Crabbe will move to Pinarello-Q36.5, 15 riders have yet to secure contracts for 2027.
Meanwhile, Tuur Dens, Noah Vandenbranden and Milan Van Den Haute will continue to receive support through the Flemish government's track programme. Victor Vercouillie has already confirmed that he is still looking for a new team.
Across more than three decades, and under several different names including Topsport Vlaanderen, the team became one of Belgian cycling's most successful development structures. Its disappearance comes amid increasing financial pressure across the second tier, with teams such as Equipo Kern Pharma and TotalEnergies also facing uncertain futures.
Belgian national champion Rune Herregodts, himself a product of the team, recently warned about the long-term consequences of losing development projects like Flanders-Baloise. “Without it, some riders who have the potential will never turn professional at all.”
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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