Rough start to the season for Lotto-Intermarché as injuries plague the merged team

We're only a month into 2026, but absences are already piling up at Lotto-Intermarché. The Belgian formation underwent a large reconstruction past winter with 10 riders coming on-board from dissolving Intermarché-Wanty structure alongside a new titular sponsors. The general idea was clear; to build an economically competitive team that can survive in the gradually more financially demanding sport of cycling. However the first weeks have already proven to be challenging for the reborn project.

A combination of bad luck with crashes in races, and long-term health problems, as a result within a span of 24 hours, Lionel Taminiaux and Lars Craps have been officially sidelined for the upcoming period.

Lionel Taminiaux already made his season debut with the two-week racing programme in Australia. The 29-year-old Belgian finished 7th in the first stage of Tour Down Under, but later crashed during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, suffering a broken collarbone. The rider who alternates between his leadout role and that of a sprinter will travel back to Belgium where he'll undego a surgery to treat the injury.

"Following a crash in Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Lionel Taminiaux sustained a broken collarbone. After thorough medical examinations conducted by local authorities, in consultation with our medical department, Lionel has been cleared to fly. Surgical treatment will be required upon arrival back in Belgium," reported his team on Sunday.

Unlike Taminiaux who was simply struck by poor luck in Australia, the absence of Lars Craps was more planned. The 24-year-old all-rounder's body gave out, for the second year in a row. A year ago, Craps had to be operated on a knee, which sidelined him from late February to late June. Now the annoying condition reoccured, this time in Craps' other knee.

"Following medical consultations by our medical staff, surgery was identified as the most reliable option to support a full recovery and avoid later problems in his career," Lotto-Intermarché reported.

"After undergoing the exact same surgery last year, it really hurts to miss all the spring races for the second year in a row. Right now, it’s difficult to put into words how disappointed I am. Nevertheless, I’m already motivated to fully commit to the recovery process and work on that comeback to reach an equally high level or even better."