Following in his father's footsteps: Mauri Vansevenant will join Lotto-Intermarché in 2027

Belgian climber Mauri Vansevenant will continue his career with Lotto-Intermarché. After it became clear there was no longer room for him at Soudal - Quick-Step, the 26-year-old didn't have to wait long to secure a new contract with the rival Belgian WorldTeam for the upcoming winter. The move marks a special homecoming of sorts, as Vansevenant follows in the exact footsteps of his father, Wim Vansevenant.

Growing up on his father's farm, Vansevenant developed a reputation for his distinctive riding style on the bike. He turned professional with Deceuninck-Quick-Step in the summer of 2020 and quickly became a valued member of Patrick Lefevere's squad.

He immediately made his mark in 2021 by winning the GP Industria & Artigianato, beating Bauke Mollema and Mikel Landa. Over the years, he developed into a contender in hilly classics and one-week stage races. He has also completed all five Grand Tours he has started, coming very close to a stage win in his 2021 Vuelta a España debut.

Last month,Vansevenant was notified he did not have a spot at Soudal - Quick-Step for the 2027 season, according to WielerFlits. He quickly found a new home, as Lotto-Intermarché welcomed him with open arms.

The squad was actively searching for experienced climbers to support their 20-year-old super-talent, Jarno Widar. With the contracts of current stars Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt expiring at the end of 2027, Widar is currently positioned as the undisputed outright leader for the team's future, making Vansevenant's signing a crucial strategic move in the mountains.

While Mauri has yet to make his Tour de France debut, the French Grand Tour is precisely where his father made a unique name for himself. Wim Vansevenant raced for Davitamon-Lotto (the direct predecessor to today's Lotto-Intermarché team). Rather than fighting at the front of the peloton, Wim made his mark at the very back. He holds the record for finishing dead last in the Tour de France, securing the infamous lanterne rouge for three consecutive years in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

While not an "anti-climber" by any means, Vansevenant senior knew that claiming the final spot on the general classification guaranteed massive publicity and lucrative start contracts for the post-Tour criteriums.

His 2008 finish is particularly legendary. On the final stage on the Champs-Élysées, Austrian rider Bernard Eisel dropped back from the peloton, sitting just 53 seconds ahead of Vansevenant in the overall standings. Spotting the threat to his last-place crown, the Belgian rider hit the brakes and dropped back alongside Eisel to ensure his historic three-peat.