Lotto exodus underway with key riders and staff linked to Bahrain

That Lotto has not been financially well off lately is no secret. Even though the Belgian team is basically guaranteed to return to WorldTour for the next three-year cycle, there's also plenty reason for concern. Without a strong co-title sponsor, it's becoming increasingly difficult for team manager Stephane Heulot to keep all the talented men aboard in face of uncomparably more generous offers.

Maxim Van Gils, star of 2024 spring, has been bought out of his contract last winter by Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and the sharks sense blood. With plenty talented youngsters in both main team and development structure, spearheaded by climbing supertalent Jarno Widar, Heulot will have to make many compromises to make the ends meet for 2026.

According to HLN, two key men of Lotto's Classics lineup - Alec Segaert and Brent Van Moer should be on their way to join Bahrain - Victorious. The loss of time trial talent Segaert in particular is a painful loss, but that's not the only loss Heulot needs to overcome as along with the two riders, also two staff members should follow to the Bahraini team.

Nikolas Maes (39), who is the main sports director for the classics and also has an important role in the Performance Cell and Marc Wauters (56), who has been working as sports director for the Belgian team since 2006, is also leaving. Another key man in the teamcar - Dirk Demol (65) is not yet looking to leave Lotto, however he intends to move into a smaller role within the team.