Belgian prospect Jarno Widar has become one of the most sought after names in the peloton thanks to his performances at a junior and under 23 level over recent seasons. For now though, he seems content to remain where he is at Lotto Dstny.
At least this is the situation as reported by the well respected Belgian newspapers HLN and Het Nieuwsblad. Widar currently has a contract with Lotto Dstny lasting until the end of the 2027 season, although, as mentioned, the 18-year-old has no shortage of potential suitors if he were to try and force a new challenge elsewhere.
On his palmares already, the Belgian has overall victories at notable races such as the Giro Next Gen, the Alpes Isère Tour and the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc, plus he came close to a couple of stages at the Tour de l'Avenir in 2024 and claimed a top-10 finish in the road race at the under 23 World Championships in Zurich.
According to reports, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe have been leading the race for Widar's signature with the Belgian even being spotted at the Red Bull test centre in Salzburg. As it turns out though, any potential movement on the transfer front is incredibly difficult for the teenage sensation. As mentioned, his contract lasts until the end of 2027 and it's not until 2026 that the Lotto Dstny prospect can use a clause in his contract to force an early transfer exit.
As such, Widar is now set for at least another season riding in the colours of Lotto Dstny, both at a developmental level and maybe the odd appearance in the senior ranks. With the main goals for 2025 being the under 23 World Championship in Rwanda and another crack at taking the Maillot Jaune in the Tour de l'Avenir.
Jarno Widar is staying in the Lotto Development team in 2025, as per his existing contract. I don't mind him staying at Lotto, I think it's good to have the young talent distributed across lots of teams. But it is unfortunate that this means he can't move to WT in 2025.
Toptalent Jarno Widar (18) blijft ook volgend seizoen aan boord bij Lotto dlvr.it/TFjVHK
