Have Lotto-Intermarché found their Arnaud De Lie replacement? Belgian team target Stan Dewulf

Lotto-Intermarché reportedly set their sights on a possible replacement for leader Arnaud De Lie, who is seemingly destined to leave the team at the end of the season. Stan Dewulf is believed to be in demand after a strong start to the season.

De Lie is heavily speculated to be on his way out of the team, and Lotto-Intermarché are busy on the transfer market as they seek to find someone to fill the 24-year-old's boots. De Lie is currently riding the Giro d'Italia and is key rider in securing UCI points and victories for the team.

De Lie has earned over 2000 UCI points in each of his last three seasons, and with 531 already this season, he's on course for another similar haul. Lotto-Intermarché are on the hunt to fill that gap, with Tudor Pro Cycling the reported destination should he leave.

Stan Dewulf emerged as a name that can contribute to filling that gap as the West Flanders native was reportedly been offered a contract, with talks taking place during the Giro d'Italia, Het Nieuwsblad reported.

The Belgian is likely to join Tudor Pro Cycling Team next season on a three-year deal; although the likes of Soudal - Quick-Step and Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe are also involved in talks.

The 28-year-old was ever-present throughout the spring classics, making important breakaways in both the Tour of Flanders and E3 Saxo Classic. His most impressive result came at E3 as he took fourth place among the group of favourites in Harelbeke despite being part of the early breakaway.

Dewulf's contract at Decathlon CMA CGM expires at the end of this season, and with the team reportedly prioritising the renewal of Paul Seixas' contract, speculation has grown that he could be set for a move. Dewulf previously rode with the team, leaving then Lotto Soudal in 2020 after coming through the development system.

It's unclear whether Lotto-Intermarche will target a direct replacement for De Lie, while fellow leader Lennert van Eetvelt is also heavily linked with leaving the team. Alongside Dewulf, they have been linked with other riders such as Valentin Madouas and Mauri Vansevenent.