As Lotto and Intermarché merge, XDS Astana Team snatch another classics specialist

Intermarché - Wanty and Lotto are merging this winter and this has left many extra riders in the market from both teams. Surprisignly, Lotto hasn't held on to one of its best performing classics riders Arjen Livyns, and in the midst of the chaos, XDS Astana Team have taken the opportunity to sign the 31-year old who could become yet another leader for the teams classics block.

“We already have a good roster for the Northern Classics, and this year we achieved some strong results both in the WorldTour and ProSeries races," team manager Alexandr Vinokourov said in a press release.

Although Livyns does not yet have his first pro win, he has a decade of experience racing in the Flemish classics and is a valuable asset to any team in this terrain. His talent wasn't unrecognized in Lotto and he often had leadership positions, which saw - inbetween others - him finish in the Top10 of this year's Dwars door Vlaanderen. Together with the likes of Alberto Bettiol, Davide Ballerini and Mike Teunissen it forms a strong block for the cobbled classics; but the Ardennes and hilly races also suit him quite well.

Livyns may enjoy more freedom, and in an Astana that puts a lot of focus on a more modest calendar and UCI points - although that may change now in 2026 - the Belgian can certainly take advantage of it. “I want to thank the team for this opportunity – I’m truly excited to join XDS Astana Team. It was important for me to continue my career in a strong and well-established project with a rich history, where I can perform at my best and share the experience I’ve gained," Livyns said.

"I hope to be a valuable asset for the team in the Northern Classics and other major WorldTour races. The big Classics and Grand Tours are the reason I became a professional cyclist, and now, together with the team, I want to achieve success in these races. I’m really looking forward to joining my new teammates”.