"It's going to be a bloodbath" - Oliver Naesen on Jumbo-Visma, Soudal - Quick-Step merger
Cycling
Jumbo-Visma and Soudal - Quick-Step are likely to join forces as the rumours and possible details intensify. Oliver Naesen, friends with plenty riders from both teams, does not have a positive outlook on what could be the lay off of plenty riders and staff.
"It's not pretty, of course. We are losing a team and there will be no room for thirty riders and a hundred staff members. It's going to be a bloodbath, I think," Naesen shared in words to Het Laatste Nieuws. "I talk to Quick Step riders during the race, but they don't really know anything. They will have to hope that the floor will not be pulled out from under their feet sometime these days."
As it stands, it seems more than likely that if the deal is confirmed it will largely be an improved version of Jumbo-Visma, as the team look to maintain the head of the structure, whilst taking in some riders and staff from Soudal - Quick-Step. It is being said however that Remco Evenepoel is unlikely to be part of this, and could race elsewhere in 2025, or even 2024 if the deal is to take place already into the upcoming season.
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