The announcement of the possible merger of
Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step would create a monstrous team of fifty riders from which about twenty would have to leave. There is talk that Remco Evenepoel could follow or leave for INEOS Grenadiers and there is also talk of
Movistar Team as a possible destination for
Primoz Roglic.
A few days ago, Carlos de Andrés made it known on RTVE and yesterday Raúl Banqueri insisted on the interest of the Spanish squad that has only 7 riders announced for 2024 (although it probably has signed some more).
Thus, Eusebio Unzué's team could fish in troubled waters and go for possible riders who would be left out of a merger that, as of today, it seems that it will happen. Seeing the level of Enric Mas in the last big stage races in which he has participated, Primoz Roglic would arrive at Movistar Team as absolute leader of the project in the races in which he would like to participate.
Remember that he has a thorn in his side from the Tour de France and that he is one Vuelta a España away from equaling Roberto Heras' record. And that's something he doesn't know if he'll be able to achieve in Jumbo with Jonas Vingegaard (the Tour for sure not).
CYCLING MARKET
Seeing the performance of Movistar after the retirement of Alejandro Valverde (already in 2022, the last one of the Murcian, the team noticed his decline), there is no doubt that they need a great figure in their squad. The attempt to sign Carlos Rodríguez went wrong and now all the great cyclists are under contract for 2024.
So, it seems to be all or nothing for the team. We do not know if Primoz wants to leave (his last statements were closer to no than yes), but the Navarrese should give absolutely everything to try to get a rider who would give the team a 180-degree turn.
