It was reported recently that BORA - hangrohe dropped out of the battle to sign
Fabio Jakobsen towards 2024 and the reason appears to be getting clearer. The German team seems to be on the verge of signing
Sam Welsford as their new main sprinter.
Wielerflits has reported that Welsford, recently turned pro on the road with
Team DSM, is in negotiations with BORA after
Sam Bennett failed to show the necessary results to continue in the team. Welsford has broke through as one of the fastest sprinters in the peloton and will be chasing stage wins at the Tour de France over the coming month.
Meanwhile Bennett who was planned to return to the Grand Boucle, is for the second year in a row missing it, reportedly due to lack of form. The reveal came today as a shock, with Jordi Meeus taking his spot. With his contract ending and an ever-lasting form issue, there are little hopes that he will be getting an extension, and has been linked with
Human Powered Health who was on the hunt to sign Mark Cavendish last winter.
Meanwhile Jakobsen, who is now likely not a card for
BORA - hansgrohe, is perhaps in a slightly better position to remain with
Soudal - Quick-Step, however as the Belgian team put more responsibility on Tim Merlier and Ethan Vernon, he continues to be under pressure as until recently at the ZLM Tour, he struggled to take wins or work efficiently with his leadout throughout the races.