Earlier this week came confirmation that European time trial
champion Alec Segaert will leave Lotto over the winter, joining Bahrain –
Victorious in 2026. The move had been anticipated but still comes as a blow for
the Belgian squad. Segaert will reunite with his older brother Loïc, who works
as one of Bahrain’s performance coaches.
“It’s a shame that we’re losing such a talented player.
But we know the reason,” the team said in a press release. That reason,
according to Lotto, ties directly to their ongoing merger talks with
Intermarché–Wanty. Sporting manager Kurt Van de Wouwer explained the context:
“There was never any uncertainty about the team’s future, but there was
uncertainty about the budgets available to work with. We did have the Lotto
budget for 2026, but something needed to be added. It’s no secret that we spent
a long time searching for a second sponsor.”
Van de Wouwer believes the merger will be a game-changer for
retaining talent. The boost in financial resources, he said, was pursued
“so that we wouldn’t have to lose riders like Alec in the future. Because
if that merger had been completed earlier, it would have opened up
opportunities for riders like Alec.” The aim, he added, is to keep
promising riders long enough to benefit from their development.
“And that’s what we want to avoid. We want them to
perform at their peak with us for a few years first, and only then leave.
Because at some point, they’ll leave when the big money comes around—you can’t
avoid that. But we want to reap the benefits first. I think Tim Wellens is the
best example of that: he rode for us for ten years, combining his promising and
professional periods.
“And if you then go to the UAE at some point: no problem.
But they can’t leave too young. That’s why the merger with Intermarché is a
good thing: to prevent what’s happening now with Alec.”
For his part, Segaert is optimistic about his future.
“The team is professional and ambitious. I am too, and I hope this move
will help me achieve new goals in my career. I’m convinced I’ll fit in well
with the classics team and be a valuable asset to the GC riders in the stage
races,” he said.