The Belgian media HLN announced this Tuesday, November 19 that Maxim Van Gils had sent a registered letter to his team, Lotto Dstny, to terminate his contract. The latter wanted a big salary increase.
Maxim Van Gils has character. The promising 24-year-old Belgian rider sent a registered letter to his team, Lotto Dstny, to terminate his contract according to Belgian media HLN. However, the former team rider had extended his contract until 2026.
“Lotto Dstny, Maxim Van Gils and his management are currently discussing our future together,” said a statement sent by both parties. “Discussions about a possible departure are part of this. But we want this to happen as cleanly, legally correct and calmly as possible.”
A disagreement over salary
At the heart of the problem, the salary demands of Maxim Van Gils. The Belgian wanted to see his salary quadruple. Lotto Dstny refused this request, citing a lack of resources. Van Gils is coming off a very promising season with a third place on the Strade Bianche, Flèche wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
If Van Gils could run for another team, the Belgian media HLN recalls that Lotto Dstny could, in return, receive compensation estimated between 1 and 1.2 million euros. Other teams like Astana, Movistar, Ineos Grenadiers, Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe and UAE were already courting the Belgian rider before this twist.
Last August, Van Gils changed agents. He is now linked to Alex Carrera who notably manages Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian has also just extended his contract with a stratospheric sum at stake. This perhaps gave ideas to Maxim Van Gils who is therefore waiting for an offer to resume the road season with peace of mind.
