The transfer market is active behind the scenes, with another move reported by Het Nieuwsblad who have it that
Lotto Soudal's
Steff Cras will be leaving the team and joining
TotalEnergies.
The Belgian climber was signed by Lotto Soudal in 2020 and has became a consistent figure in the fight for overall classifications. Being one of the Belgian team's few climbers he often had the freedom to pursue his goals, having this season finished in the Top20 of Paris-Nice, Itzulia Basque Country Tour de Romandie and Critérium du Dauphiné.
Cras has in the meantime announced that he will be racing the Vuelta a España this coming month, with the Tour de l'Ain as preparation. He has also made a good point for himself in the one-day races this year, figuring in the Top10 of the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior, Classic Grand Besançon Doubs and the mountainous Mercan'Tour Classic.