Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 17:12
Breaking Maxim Van Gils and Lotto Dstny are on a collision course, it is reported The Latest News. The 24-year-old Belgian has terminated his contract with the team. It is unclear where the future lies for the classic specialist. The question is also how quickly a transition will take place: in the past the team has indicated that it does not want to cooperate in an early transfer.
The team management reportedly reacted in shock after the announcement from one of its most important riders, writes HLN. The team does not believe it is acceptable for Van Gils to force a departure in this way. In the past, the formation has always said that it does not want to cooperate in an early transfer of the rider, who was good for three victories and numerous places of honor last season.
If the team holds its ground, the incident will have a legal tail. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Van Gils will ‘always get his way’. Every European citizen has the right to change employer, but then Lotto will have to receive compensation (estimated between 1 and 1.2 million euros), since Van Gils still has an ongoing contract until the end of 2026.
Quick solution?
The question is how long it will all drag on for Van Gils. On average, it takes between two and eight months before such a case can arise and a ruling is reached. In other words: if Van Gils does not reach an agreement with Lotto himself, there is a chance that he will have to remain sidelined until next summer (at worst).
It is striking that Van Gils is aiming for an early departure from the Lotto team, as he signed a new and improved contract in March. After his contract extension, the Antwerp native started to achieve better results and was reportedly no longer satisfied with his contract. In the months that followed, several teams – including Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and Astana Qazaqstan – showed interest in the puncheur.
Things have been going on behind the scenes at Lotto Dstny for quite some time. From the broad framework of the team, several sources decided to step forward to tell their story CyclingFlits. They did this anonymously, for fear of reprisals. They paint a picture of sporting mismanagement, bullying and intimidation. The team has also been struggling with financial concerns for a long time.
And that’s not all. The sources cite even more pain points, with cutbacks, broken promises, breaking of long-standing relationships, dissatisfaction with Kurt Van de Wouwer’s sporting policy and team manager Stephane Heulot, who is at odds with a number of riders.
There is also no second name sponsor for next year to replace Dstny. The Belgian Lottery is prepared to increase the budget slightly to reduce the resulting gap – reportedly approximately six million euros.
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