Gerben Thijssen is the next rider to leave due to the merger plans of Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty. The 27-year-old sprinter is reportedly transferring to Alpecin-Deceuninck according to multiple sources. Since Thijssen’s current Walloon team has not applied for a license for next season, the sprinter is allowed to leave despite his ongoing contract.
It was already known that Alpecin-Deceuninck was interested in the experienced sprinter, but Mathieu van der Poel’s team did not seem to be the only one. The transfer now appears almost finalized, and the Belgian is set to sign.
Thijssen during the Giro - photo: photo agency Cor Vos
Thijssen had a disappointing season without any wins. The 27-year-old from Genk had focused early in the season on the Giro d'Italia, but in 21 stages never finished better than twelfth place.
Thijssen is not the only big name from Intermarché-Wanty who will not be joining the merged team with Lotto. For instance, Biniam Girmay is on track to join the current Israel-Premier Tech, and Hugo Page is moving to Cofidis.
Gerben Thijssen| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2027 | |
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
