Intermarché-Wanty ready for battle despite quest for funds: "Why not win a Monument soon?"

Another memorable victory came in the name of Taco van der Hoorn in the BetCity Elfstedenronde. It was not a big race, but thanks to the story behind it, this win became something extraordinary. The team achieved thirteen victories this season, good for fifteenth place in the UCI Team Ranking. This is a solid result, considering its modest budget. "These results are the reward for years of hard work, our focus on talent development, and the unconditional commitment of everyone on the team," Bourlart told Wielerverhaal.

Spring did not deliver what the team expected. "Spring was tough," Bourlart acknowledges. Although Gerben Thijssen and Laurenz Rex recorded some nice wins, there were also many setbacks, including numerous crashes in the classics. This meant injuries and the absence of important riders such as Arne Marit, Gerben Thijssen, and Biniam Girmay. On top of that, Taco van der Hoorn and Kobe Goossens suffered long-term injuries.

Despite this, the team did not give up. "We kept working with the desire to stand out in the summer." And they did. The team's first stage win in the Tour de France was a milestone. "The next two wins and the green jersey proved that this is only the beginning of what our project can accomplish."

Biniam Girmay's success at the Tour tastes like more. Bourlart is optimistic: "We have outlined a long-term plan for his development. His victories in the Tour taste for more. Why not win a Monument soon?" Girmay will remain with the team until at least 2028, which provides sufficient margin to realize these ambitions.

The team has been further strengthened ahead of the new season, including Jonas Rutsch and Dutch U23 rider Huub Artz. And the future also seems bright for the Belgians, as they are entirely focused on developing young talent through the continental team. "Thanks to riders like Huub Artz, who became European U23 champion, and Felix Ørn-Kristoff, Junior European champion, we are developing tomorrow's generation." And in their shadow, other talents like Gualdi and Claisse are also growing. Bourlart concludes with a clear vision: "Our long-term approach is the most sustainable, despite our small but steadily growing budget within the WorldTour."