The cycling transfer season is here, and the market is bustling with activity. Professional cycling has seen many changes as we approach the 2024 season. Numerous teams have strategically bolstered their rosters with skilled athletes. The goal is to elevate their performance and reach new heights in upcoming competitions.
August 1 is a significant date in the professional cycling industry as it marks the beginning of the transfer window. However, this period is for public relations; numerous agreements were already in place during the Tour de France and some even earlier in Spring.
Although there are several rumors about potential transfers before August 1, teams start releasing official statements about their business after the open window. These announcements will steadily flow throughout the remainder of the year.
Our guide will reveal some of the latest transfer activities in the 2023-2024 Cycling Transfer Window. We will disclose deals that have gotten the green light in this article.
Hottest Cycling Transfer Moves
Currently, the most prominent figures in cycling have secured contracts extending into 2024 and further. Tadej Pogačar has committed to UAE Team Emirates until 2027. Also, Juan Ayuso has pledged his allegiance to the same team until 2028.
Meanwhile, Wout van Aert and Primož Roglič are on board with Jumbo-Visma until 2026 and 2025, respectively. Mathieu van der Poel will remain with Alpecin-Deceuninck until 2025, and Tom Pidcock has his future tied with Ineos Grenadiers until 2026.
In women’s cycling, Demi Vollering, the victor of the Tour de France Femmes, is contracted with SD Worx until 2024. Her teammates, Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, are also secured until then. Lidl-Trek has successfully secured contracts with Elisa Balsamo and Elisa Longo Borghini, while the experienced Marianne Vos, at 36, has two more years with Jumbo-Visma.
Contrary to what we often see in soccer, cyclists honor their entire contract in professional cycling. As a result, it is doubtful for the riders mentioned above to switch teams. Nevertheless, the situation is flexible.
This brings us to Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian sensation with Soudal-QuickStep until 2026. Despite persistent rumors linking him to Ineos Grenadiers since last year, a transfer still seems improbable.
Patrick Lefevere, the head of QuickStep, has procured sponsorship deals banking on Evenepoel’s commitment and firmly states that the 23-year-old is not on the market. Despite this, rival teams continue to present formal offers to Evenepoel and his father, who also represents him as his agent. A transfer would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the market, though it appears unlikely.
A Look at The Male Teams
UAE Team Emirates and Jumbo-Visma look good to challenge for titles in the future. Due to their potential, several Bitcoin betting sites offer excellent odds for both teams. On the other hand, Ineos Grenadiers appears to be in a pickle. After clinching the Tour de France title seven times in nine years, they’re facing a drought, having yet to don the yellow jersey in the past four years.
Their most recent champion, Egan Bernal, has a contract until 2026 but is recovering. He has been striving to regain his form after the devastating crash in 2022. Significant changes are afoot in the team. Riders like Tao Geoghegan Hart, Dani Martínez, and Pavel Sivakov are leaving. Meanwhile, Geraint Thomas, who considered retirement just last year, looks poised to commit for another two seasons.
The situation appears secure for WorldTour licenses with their cyclists confirmed until 2025. However, certain teams are beginning to feel the pressure, particularly regarding their ranking points. Currently positioned at the lower end of the rankings, DSM-Firmenich, Arkéa-Samsic, and Astana Qazaqstan, on the verge of losing Mark Cavendish due to his retirement, need a boost.
At the same time, second-division teams are not holding back, with Tudor Pro Cycling and Uno-X making their ambitions clear in the market. They pressure the other teams to step up their game by showing intent.
A Look at The Female Teams
In women’s cycling, the departure of Van Vleuten, a rider who has dominated the sport for years and stands as one of the all-time greats, will undoubtedly leave a noticeable void in the peloton. Movistar faces a challenging task in finding a suitable replacement. The job will be difficult, particularly given the market’s need for established Grand Tour competitors.
Leading teams such as SD Worx, Lidl-Trek, and Canyon-SRAM have secured their star riders and emerging talents. Attention turns to Jayco-AlUla, where Kristen Faulkner and Ana Santesteban are approaching the end of their contracts. Both are highly sought-after riders, making them prominent figures in the transfer market discussions.
Women’s cycling is on a trajectory towards stability and advancement, especially with the anticipation of introducing a three-tier team structure in 2025. However, establishing a new EF team, jointly sponsored by Cannondale, is causing some disruption. This team will compete in the second-division Continental category, yet it raises concerns for the EF Tibco-SVB WorldTour team.
With EF and SVB withdrawing their sponsorship and no riders contracted for 2024, the future of EF Tibco-SVB appears uncertain. Adding to their challenges, one of their standout athletes, Veronica Ewers, has been confirmed as a member of the new EF team. This announcement marks a significant shift in the women’s cycling space.
Prominent Transfer Updates:
- Primož Roglič has inked a two-year agreement to join Bora-Hansgrohe, marking a significant move for the accomplished cyclist.
- Davide Formolo will team up with Enric Mas, solidifying his commitment through a new contract with Movistar.
- Kristen Faulkner is making a notable switch, signing on with EF Education-Cannondale.
- Caleb Ewan will depart from Lotto Dstny, returning to Jayco AlUla.
Conclusion
The 2023-2024 Cycling Transfer Window will soon draw to a close. For now, notable riders are securing their futures. Tadej Pogačar, Wout van Aert, and others have committed to their teams. Women’s cycling sees stability, with star riders staying put. However, the introduction of a new EF team adds intrigue.
Teams such as UAE Team Emirates and Jumbo-Visma are strategically positioned for future triumphs, whereas Ineos Grenadiers are encountering some obstacles. While some last-minute changes might occur during the transfer period, we do not expect big moves. Teams must now channel their energy and resources into preparing diligently for the upcoming season.
