Rémy Mertz is another Belgian rider with World Tour experience without a team for 2024: "I really hope that something will come of it"

It seems to be a cursed year to be a Belgian ProConti rider at the end of the contract as another established rider Rémy Mertz has pretty much given up on continuing his professional career on his current level. The 28-year-old rider spent last three years at Bingoal WB, coming from Lotto-Soudal after four seasons at the WorldTour.

"When I look back on it now, I don't think I was mature enough for that step yet. I was young, and impressed by our famous leaders. I trained to help them win, but within the team they were always satisfied. So I didn't leave in disagreement. But after four years I was allowed to take my own chance at Bingoal WB," he explains to WielerFlits.

"The goal was to take a new step forward at Bingoal WB. That worked out well for the first two years, but it still took some getting used to. Over time I started to get used to my new environment more and more. I was really motivated to make something of it, because I felt that I could still improve as a rider. However, illness or injuries have become increasingly common this year. If that doesn't happen, I'll be in a completely different situation."

Not even Arnaud De Lie, current star at Lotto-Dstny, could help Mertz. "I trained with him sometimes in recent years. Of course I sent him a message, but he is not in a position where he has much say in the team. There is also a place for his brother. Of course it would be a dream for me to return to the team, but I think the spots there are full. You hear that from most teams, by the way. I really hope that something will come of it, because physically I am now at the best moments of my career."