Algemeen Lotto-Intermarché secures WorldTour license

With the merger, a strengthened management team also takes office. With Jean-François Bourlart as CEO, Kurt Van de Wouwer as sports manager and Aike Visbeek as performance manager, Lotto-Intermarché receives a foundation backed by many years of experience. The trio will jointly set out the sporting and organisational direction.

 

Jean-François Bourlart, General Manager Lotto-Intermarché: “Today, thanks to the unification of two historic Belgian teams, a new chapter begins in international cycling. In recent months we have worked very hard behind the scenes to build a solid project, based on the foundations of Lotto Cycling Team and Intermarché-Wanty. We are pleased that the UCI places its confidence in us for the next three years to make this project succeed. The recognition of the UCI ProTeam status for the women’s team also makes us happy. Preparations for the new season are now in full swing, with the first collective training camp in Spain currently underway. I already feel a strong enthusiasm throughout the entire team.”

 

Kurt Van de Wouwer, Sports Manager Lotto-Intermarché: “With leaders Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt, supported by a strong midfield and experienced road captains such as Jasper De Buyst and Taco van der Hoorn, Lotto-Intermarché can rightly aspire to win races at the highest level. At the same time, we continue to invest in the development of young talent. Newly crowned European champion Jarno Widar joins the pro squad, and with Huub Artz and Felix Ørn-Kristoff we welcome two more former European champions from the youth categories. It demonstrates the potential of our group and the quality of our development programs. Talent development remains one of our key pillars in the renewed structure. In recent seasons, both development teams together delivered more than 26 riders to the pro ranks. With combined expertise, I am convinced we will continue to be one of the best continental development teams with Lotto-Wanty.”

 

Aike Visbeek, Performance Manager Lotto-Intermarché: “At the start of this trajectory, I conducted an in-depth analysis of both performance organisations. It quickly became clear that each team has complementary strengths. Lotto Cycling Team has strong collaborations with Ghent University and the department of Professor Jan Boone, coupled with a great deal of knowledge in nutrition under the leadership of Britt Lambrecht. From Intermarché-Wanty we bring a tightly structured and methodical approach with a clear focus on R&D, along with technical innovation driven by Head of Equipment Mikey van Kruiningen. Bringing all this knowledge together today is a tremendous asset in elevating the new team to an even higher level.”

The new Lotto-Intermarché positions itself as a growth project with a strong foundation in the WorldTour, supported by what is widely recognised as one of the best development structures in the peloton.

The women’s team will also continue to grow. The Lotto-Intermarché Ladies will move to the pro-continental level in 2026, ensuring their participation in the biggest WorldTour races.

The team roster of the three squads operating under the Captains of Cycling structure of Lotto-Intermarché has now been confirmed. With this clarity across all layers of the organisation, the project takes a solid step towards sporting stability and growth. In the coming weeks, the integration of Intermarché-Wanty into Captains of Cycling will be completed. To allow this to proceed in full serenity, this press release currently serves as the only communication. Meanwhile, the team is preparing everything to officially present Lotto-Intermarché to the public on 12 January at the Service Course in Temse. An official invitation will follow shortly.