"This transfer stinks of opportunism" - Belgian pundit criticizes Maxim van Gils' departure from Lotto Dstny

The controversy surrounding Maxim van Gils' contract breaking with Lotto Dstny is understandable. Only months after renewing for two more seasons with the Belgian team, van Gils is leaving on a unilateral decision, likely much due to agent's influence. A Belgian pundit and commentator was not surprised by this odd situation however.

"I was not surprised by the news about Van Gils. Unilateral breach of contract, it fits in with the drastically changed profile of the Antwerp native," Michel Wuyts said in a column for Het Nieuwsblad, who went on to tell a story of the 24-year old that did not leave the best impression. 

Wuyts recalls an incident at the 2023 Japan Cup, where a collision with compatriot Amaury Capiot then had a curious reaction: "The fact that Capiot and other victims were biting in pain on the ground did not bother him much. He said the next day: 'His own fault. He should not fall asleep or look at a beautiful lady.' 'Disconcerting', was one verdict. Disgusting was more appropriate for so much aggression."

Read also

"I was more exhausted than I have ever been before" - Jonas Vingegaard explains how 2024 Tour de France efforts 'devastated' him physically

Now after a very successful season, it is believed that his great performances, combined with teams in need of leaders and/or UCI points, makes him a very attractive signing. His agent Alex Carrera already did this before, one year ago exactly with Cian Uijtdebroeks who unilaterally decided to leave BORA in order to join Team Visma | Lease a Bike.

"With the broadly grinning manager Carrera in the background, this transfer stinks of opportunism," Wuyts says, not sparing on the words. "Wages times four, it is suggested. In addition to Van Gils, Alex Carera will also benefit from this. Damage to image? Van Gils will no longer care about it in 2025." We continue to see how the situation develops, but the Belgian himself has talked about the situation and how he and the team hope for this debate to end as soon as possible.

Read also

Johan Bruyneel tackles Maxim van Gils' contract breaking and why teams stay away from certain agents: "They don't keep their word"

Maxim van Gils has not yet left Lotto Dstny, but talks in public for the first time since controversy: "If I could choose myself, I would rather be gone"