"There was no good solution for both teams" - Jumbo-Visma CEO Richard Plugge admits merger with Soudal - Quick-Step was unlikely to have a positive outcome

The possible merger between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal - Quick-Step looked almost certain at a point this fall, and was one of the major discussion points in the cycling year. Ultimately it did not take place, Jumbo-Visma CEO Richard Plugge now looks back at the possible outcome and doesn't believe it'd be good.

“We have known for some time that Jumbo would withdraw after 2024 and fortunately we have had the time and opportunity to talk to various parties about their replacement," Plugge told The Outer Line. "And one of those parties was Soudal Quick-Step. There was talk between both teams about a merger, but in the end it did not happen.”

For several weeks it appeared as if the negotiations were quite advanced and plans were being made. Remco Evenepoel was aimed for but wasn't fond of the idea, whilst Yves Lampaert for example was a specific request of Wout van Aert. Backstage the work continued but eventually it was pulled off. Partly, because Plugge says there was no good solution for the teams. The mythical Quick-Step structure would likely stop existing, whilst Jumbo-Visma itself looked to have little to benefit from a colossal market move.

“One of the reasons was that after our discussions with the UCI we came to the conclusion that there was no good solution for both teams; we didn't want any team to be left in the dark," he concluded. Plans had even been made at that point for a backup team for the Quick-Step riders from Patrick Lefevere however the deals were off. The two teams continue in their current format and will be great powers that will battle each other in 2024 - with the Dutch team having a new name, 'Visma - Lease a Bike'.