Rising together, towards the WorldTour: Lotto-Intermarché has secured its license. The UCI announced the news today. The National Lottery and Intermarché are joining forces for at least three years, thereby making the merger between two iconic teams a reality.
Rising together. It is a baseline that underscores everything: two teams with a rich history that, united in strength and expertise, reinvent themselves and will fight together for every victory. It perfectly summarizes what Lotto-Intermarché stands for: growing, building and winning as one.
The license application to rejoin the WorldTour in 2026 had already been submitted in mid-October, and with today’s green light from the UCI, the merger between Lotto Cycling Team and Intermarché-Wanty, two teams deeply rooted in Belgian cycling, is formally confirmed. Lotto-Intermarché is now a fact and will, next season, be part of the UCI WorldTour under the existing Captains of Cycling structure. The National Lottery and Intermarché commit as title sponsors to the team for at least three years.
Jannie Haek (CEO National Lottery):
“The National Lottery has been a fixture in the cycling peloton for more than 40 years. The fact that we now, with Intermarché at our side, are making our return to the WorldTour makes me extremely proud. We both have a deeply rooted history, and supporting the development of new talent is a priority. In this partnership we are writing a new story of growing together and creating opportunities. That is why I strongly believe in this new project.”
Thierry Cotillard (President Groupement Mousquetaires):
“This new partnership marks a new chapter in our history within cycling. This sport tells a story of solidarity, teamwork and proximity- values that also lie at the foundation of Groupement Mousquetaires and that contribute to our success. With a point of sale every ten kilometres, we are closer to our customers than ever, and we are delighted to share the passion for cycling with them. 2026 promises to be a wonderful year full of emotions and challenges for the new Lotto-Intermarché, and we are convinced that the team spirit created in the coming weeks will lead to great victories.”
To further highlight the international character of the new team, the squad will compete in France, Poland and Portugal wearing the Intermarché-Lotto jersey, the ‘reversed’ version of the regular kit.
Historical partners remain on board
Orbea, the Basque bicycle manufacturer that joined Lotto two years ago and with whom the team quickly built a stable relationship, will also supply bikes for the new teams. Several other long-standing partners, including Vermarc Sport, Ekoï and Caps, are also joining the new project. Lotto-Intermarché wishes to express its gratitude for all the trust — but also thanks the sponsors who were part of the journey in recent years for the ride they shared together.
Groupe Wanty shoulders development team
Groupe Wanty, former title sponsor of Intermarché-Wanty, stays on board and confirms a six-year commitment. In addition, the construction group will also become the second name sponsor of the development team for the next three seasons: Lotto-Groupe Wanty.
New management team at the helm
With the merger, a strengthened management team also takes office. With Jean-François Bourlart as CEO, Kurt Van de Wouwer as sports manager and Aike Visbeek as performance manager, Lotto-Intermarché receives a foundation backed by many years of experience. The trio will jointly set out the sporting and organisational direction.
