Maxim Van Gils' agent confirms that "talks regarding a potential departure" are part of on-going discussions with Lotto Dstny
CyclingTuesday, 19 November 2024 at 23:00
Uncertainty of Lotto Dstny's future is hampering the Belgian PRT team's efforts to keep all of their talent on-board for years to come. The formation lead by Stéphane Heulot is currently on its way to return to WorldTour for 2026-28 period, but persistent rumours of riders jumping the ship could turn the situation around. Het Laatse Nieuws were the first to have brought earlier today the news that Maxim Van Gils has asked his team to terminate his contract. His agency later issued a statement on the matter:
"At this moment, A&J ALL SPORTS, as the representative of Maxim Van Gils, is in discussions with Lotto Dstny Team to decide about their future together." The statement confirms that one of the main topics of these discussions is regarding Van Gils' continuation with the team: "Ongoing talks regarding a potential departure are part of this process."
"All parties, however, wish for these discussions to proceed in the most proper, legal, and serene manner possible. For the time being, we we do not wish not wish to provide further comments to ensure the talks can continue calmly. Once there will be official news, it will be communicated."
Maxim Van Gils was one of the breakthrough riders of this season with victory at Eschborn-Frankfurt, podium finishes at Strade Bianche and La Flèche Wallonne and top-10 results from Milano-Sanremo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and GP Montreal.
Inevitably, multiple teams emerged with offers to buy the 24-year-old talent out of his contract at what seems to be the slowly sinking ship at Lotto Dstny. As the main candidates to secure Van Gils' services were seen Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and (XdS) Astana Qazaqstan, both teams with enough money in their bank to offer the Belgian a 7-digit salary along with a meaty clause to Lotto Dstny for breaking the contract. With over 2500 UCI points to his name in 2024, it's not hard to see why for example Astana would pay the Belgian in gold.
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Cian U last year now Maxim VG, both represented by A&J All Sports btw. Those breaking contract moves are more than debatable for sure, but I wanna focus on the timing here. I doubt there's a compensation making up for the lack of back up plan this late in the season. pic.twitter.com/MNqQAntvYA
— Les Pédales Douces (@LPDouces) November 19, 2024
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- I doubt it. This blows a hole in their ranks.mobk08-01-2026
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santiagobenites08-01-2026 - however you frame it, it seems that they asked more from Ayuso (who obviously did not deliver the needed support) than they are asking from del Torro ... who - according to this quote - just needs to show up and can then ride however he likes.Ketterechts08-01-2026
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- Yes, still sad though, that he's retiring. Anyway, best wishes for his new chaptermhfrvz08-01-2026
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ChillingCyclist08-01-2026 - Jesus was crusified at age 33. Go out BIG, not like Froome; a good cyclist but people are now laughing and making fun of Froomey. He just doesn't know when to quit. I understand Simon Yates. Who still remembers, Pogi the GOAT also talked about retiring early? He had enough of the BS that comes with professional sports, especially cycling.NikkoNicco08-01-2026
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