“That's what we want to avoid” – Lotto boss explains importance of Intermarche merger following Segaert’s exit

Earlier this week came confirmation that European time trial champion Alec Segaert will leave Lotto over the winter, joining Bahrain – Victorious in 2026. The move had been anticipated but still comes as a blow for the Belgian squad. Segaert will reunite with his older brother Loïc, who works as one of Bahrain’s performance coaches.

"It's a shame that we're losing such a talented player. But we know the reason," the team said in a press release. That reason, according to Lotto, ties directly to their ongoing merger talks with Intermarché–Wanty. Sporting manager Kurt Van de Wouwer explained the context: "There was never any uncertainty about the team's future, but there was uncertainty about the budgets available to work with. We did have the Lotto budget for 2026, but something needed to be added. It's no secret that we spent a long time searching for a second sponsor."

Van de Wouwer believes the merger will be a game-changer for retaining talent. The boost in financial resources, he said, was pursued "so that we wouldn't have to lose riders like Alec in the future. Because if that merger had been completed earlier, it would have opened up opportunities for riders like Alec." The aim, he added, is to keep promising riders long enough to benefit from their development.

"And that's what we want to avoid. We want them to perform at their peak with us for a few years first, and only then leave. Because at some point, they'll leave when the big money comes around—you can't avoid that. But we want to reap the benefits first. I think Tim Wellens is the best example of that: he rode for us for ten years, combining his promising and professional periods.

“And if you then go to the UAE at some point: no problem. But they can't leave too young. That's why the merger with Intermarché is a good thing: to prevent what's happening now with Alec."

For his part, Segaert is optimistic about his future. "The team is professional and ambitious. I am too, and I hope this move will help me achieve new goals in my career. I'm convinced I'll fit in well with the classics team and be a valuable asset to the GC riders in the stage races," he said.