27/09/2023

The keys to understanding what would happen to the surplus of cyclists if Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step merge

Rumours of a possible merger between the Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Quick-Step teams are gaining momentum and pose significant challenges in terms of the composition of their squads. Both teams are faced with the need to comply with the established limits.

Below we analyze the data from both templates to see what they would have to do on information originally worked out by tweeter Isma Alvarez Cycling (@cyclingIsma)

"Jumbo hates Remco and Remco hates Jumbo, that's not going to work, is it?" - Geraint Thomas doubts whether groundbreaking merger is viable

Maximum number of cyclists: 30.

Currently, the sum of both squads amounts to 58 cyclists with current contracts. In addition, they have announced 13 new signings for the 2024 season, which would bring the total to 71 riders, generating a surplus of 41 riders.

14 Cyclists have already announced their departure.

Among the riders who have already announced their departure are prominent names such as Jakobsen, Ballerini, Bagioli, Schmid, Devenyns, Steimle, Vernon, Morkov, Dennis, Van Emden, Oomen, Roosen, Leemreize and Van Hooydoonck.

27 Cyclists under contract who could leave:

In addition, they will have to make decisions on 27 other riders whose contracts are coming to an end, leaving only 7 riders with secure contracts (Foss, Senechal, Cavagna, Knox, Declerq, Van Lerberghe and Van Tricht).

Cycling Market: The 4 teams that are trying to sign Primoz Roglic

What about the additional 20?

To meet the merger restrictions, solutions will need to be found for an additional 20 riders.

The future of some stars.

All eyes are on prominent riders such as Roglic (Lidl, Ineos, Bahrain) and Alaphilippe (TotalEnergies), who could be on the wish list of other teams in the face of the impending reshuffle.

Johan Bruyneel not overly worried about possible Jumbo/Quick-Step merger: Nobody with a valid contract will be on the street

7 promotions announced from the subsidiaries.

Despite the situation, 7 promotions have been announced from the subsidiary teams, although these moves could be reconsidered amid the uncertainty surrounding the merger.

Freedom for contract cyclist.

Ultimately, if the merger goes through, many cyclists under contract will have to be released, which could present interesting opportunities for other teams looking for talent in the cycling market.