In a recent Instagram poll, fans suggested that Lidl-Trek had the best transfer period, having signed notable riders such as Tao Geoghegan Hart, Jonathan Milan, Tim Declercq, and Sam Oomen. BORA-hansgrohe has also made an enormous impact by signing Primož Roglič, Daniel Felipe Martínez, and Sam Welsford. With Jayco-AlUla also having a good off-season by acquiring Mauro Schmid, along with Calen Ewan and Luke Plapp, bolstering their squad with two serious leaders.
Lidl-Trek’s acquisition of Geoghegan Hart is a significant addition for their grand tour aspirations, complemented by acclaimed climbers Patrick Konrad, Oomen, and Carlos Verona. There’s also the potential of Milan as a top future sprinter and Andrea Bagioli’s performance as the second in Il Lombardia, which helps to stress the high calibre of the new signings. Also notworthy is the lack of pivotal departing riders from Lidl-Trek, as none had been central figures or left to lead another team.
Could Jumbo-Visma Be the Biggest Loser?
Attention shifts towards Jumbo-Visma, with the possibility that they are the biggest loser of the transfer period, having lost Roglič and Nathan Van Hooydonck, alongside the retirement of Rohan Dennis and the departure of world champion Tobias Foss. Despite the arrivals of Matteo Jorgensen and climbing prospect Ben Tulett, maybe it’s considered these additions as insufficient replacements, especially with the team’s intention to start the new season with a reduced roster. They might be okay in the long run though, with promising talents like Per Strand Hagenes and Johannes Staune-Mittet climbing up the ranks, the team’s longer does look more promising. Nevertheless, the immediate challenge of adequately replacing Roglič and Van Hooydonck persists, and with the team operating at the minimum required number of 27 riders, maybe some late signings could be made.
