Bombshell! Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step merger now unlikely to take place

According to Sporza's colleagues, the merger pact between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step has been cancelled. Patrick Lefevere would like to continue his solo project at least until 2025. This is Sporza's information from a source in the Netherlands:

"The soap opera of the merger between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal-Quick Step seems to have come to an end. From the Netherlands comes the news that the merger will not go ahead. Patrick Lefevere and his sponsor Zdenek Bakala would remain together until 2025. What this means for Remco Evenepoel is still unclear."

These are the key information points:

1. Merger cancelled: The previously announced merger between the Jumbo-Visma and Soudal-Quick Step cycling teams has been cancelled.
2. Continuity of Lefevere and Bakala: Patrick Lefevere and his sponsor Zdenek Bakala will continue to work together in the team until 2025.
3. Uncertainty about Evenepoel: The cancellation of the merger raises uncertainties about the future of Remco Evenepoel, whose situation is still unclear.
4. Human and sporting cost: During the period of uncertainty, many questions arose about the future of the teams' riders and staff. The merger would have required staffing adjustments, but those decisions are now on hold.
5. Jumbo-Visma: Amazon would come into play, but to what extent is unknown at this time.