"I think Mathieu will be hard to beat" - MVDP's long-time domestique on joining a rival team

Since their first steps in road cycling, the cyclocross duo Gianni Vermeersch and Mathieu van der Poel raced in the same team colours since 2017 back when WorldTour was but a distant dream of the team managed by Roodhooft brothers. Nearly a decade down the line, Van der Poel has become one of the two best Classics riders in the world with Vermeersch by his side in the crucial moments of the biggest races.

But their fairy tale will come to an end this winter as Vermeersch leaves behind his younger Dutch colleague to join the ambitious project of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe from 2026 onwards. However there are no harsh feelings between the two: "Mathieu was happy for me," Vermeersch told WielerFlits. He adds: "I think Mathieu will be hard to beat."

The departure was obviously quite a surprise for the wider cycling audience as Alpecin-Deceuninck and Gianni Vermeersch seemed to be a perfect match. "Initially, it was seen as a surprise, of course," he says. "But overall, I've received positive reactions. I've been pleasantly surprised myself. What surprises me? Simply that I’m changing teams after all this time. That came as a surprise to me too."

Heading over to the ambitious German team, there won't be a designated leader in the Classics anymore. In fact, Vermeersch could find himself in the executive role from time to time. But even more importantly, his experience should serve as a springboard for the younger riders such as Laurence Pithie, Van Dijke twins or Oier Lazkano. "It's a new challenge at a later stage in my career. I'm really looking forward to it," he says about the captain role.

But despite the activity on transfer market already last winter, the Classics team of Red Bull was unable to break through this spring. That record probably arose some doubts, but not for Vermeersch who sees immense potential in the project.

"Of course, it does create some uncertainty, but as far as we can see now, that's why they brought me on the team. To bring some experience to the classics," explains the Belgian. "Last year there were mainly strong individuals, but that doesn't always make for a strong team. I hope to contribute something to that with experience."

Among Gianni's best individual results this year are a 7th place at Strade-Bianche and 2nd at Grand Prix de Denain. Last year, the Belgian finished 6th at the Paris-Roubaix and his new employer certainly wouldn't mind if Vermeersch could repeat such a feat.