The rumours had been active last week and yesterday Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux confirmed the signing of Rui Costa for the 2023 season.
"I’m very happy to receive the chance to contribute to the success of Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux next season. This new environment will offer me fresh opportunities and believes in my value as an athlete," the Portuguese rider said in a press release. "Loyalty, trust and respect are values to which both Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux and I attach a lot of importance. I want to show fighting spirit to achieve collective goals and I dream about the possibility to conquer new victories"
Costa, the 2013 World champion, has in the last years took on a domestique role at UAE Team Emirates in support of it's classics riders and Grand Tour contenders. At 35 he is no longer having the legs he had in his prime years, however is still a very valuable support rider with plenty of experience in the hilly classics specially. He will join the Belgian team who give that field a lot of focus, and may provide Costa with opportunities to chase his own results once again as a leader.
"Riders like Rein Taaramäe or my former teammates Alexander Kristoff and Louis Meintjes are great examples, riders who converted their rich experience and great potential into fantastic results within Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux," he explained.
"I really want to thank the team for the belief in me, I’m convinced that we will have a good time together!" Costa concluded. He's currently riding the Vuelta a Burgos where he finished the opening stage in 11th place and will be riding in support of his compatriot João Almeida.
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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- I had no idea about that either.
santiagobenites10-11-2026 - great analysis thanks! appreciate you posting this. I didn't realize CX had a different standard for deviation. this is even more egregious it seems.mij10-11-2026
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- Giro or not Giro, he won't win the Tour!MajorPayne10-11-2026
- Very true.awp10-11-2026
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- Me too!!!!!Occam10-11-2026
- they can sign any 100 of top riders today but Pogi will win over Remco any time at the TDF unless something goes wrongabstractengineer10-11-2026
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Former World Champion Rui Costa joins Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert 🙌 He will become a vital captain in our team for 2023! Read more ➡️ intermarche-wantygobert.eu/news/ruicosta/
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