Ten Dam amazed at course of events surrounding Van Gils: "Alex Carera drove him crazy"

"Last year he was just a good rider," the Dutch rider from Alkmaar refers to 2023. "He started strong this year in Mallorca and then signed a new contract in March. That would earn him a little over half a million a year, but Van Gils was just among the best three or four riders in the rankings at the end of April. He kept improving, and Alex Carera drove him crazy, telling him he should earn one or two million," Ten Dam analyzed the situation.

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"I think that agent just went to Stephane Heulot (team manager of Lotto Dstny, ed.) and announced that he is now taking care of Van Gils' business. There must have been a stunned reaction; they had struck a nice deal at Lotto Dstny for a good amount of money," Ten Dam continued. "How frustrating this must be for that, Heulot. All the top guys extended their contracts, and then at the very end of the season, that boy leaves?"

The sporting aspect is pointed out repeatedly by the rider in question, who had a superb year. According to the people involved, however, it is mainly about money. "Still, it's stupid, especially when you sign a new contract after a phenomenal year. It's about a lot of money, I know. For Heulot, surely it will be about giving your word. A man is a man; a word is a word. Then, you don't whine when a flamboyant new agent shows up." Besides, maybe his previous manager decided on a salary that was too low. In any case, it is becoming quite a saga.