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

It may not have been the most successful in number of wins, but it was a year to remember for Intermarché-Wanty. The Belgian team achieved significantly fewer victories in 2024 than in previous seasons, but what they won was of enormous value. Think of the three stages in the Tour de France and the green jersey. It's historic because never before had the team won a Tour stage, let alone the points classification. Quality over quantity. General Manager Jean-François Bourlart agrees: "This year will remain in our memories."

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.

A climax in July: "This is only the beginning"

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 future belongs to Intermarché-Wanty: "This approach is the most sustainable"

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."

The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.

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