One of the big stories of this winter is the merger between Intermarché – Wanty and Lotto. In many ways, a chaotic one, and one in which the riders do not seem to have been satisfied with taking into consideration the mixed signals that have been sent throughout the past few months. This sees several riders without a contract or a secure future at this point in time including sprinter Arne Marit, but he could well be on his way to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe.
The 26-year old has turned pro in 2021 and joined the Intermarché structure in 2024. The best results in his career however when it comes to wins remain whilst he was on the smaller categories, but he has fit in nicely to the World Tour peloton, coming close to netting a breakthrough victory on several occasions, including at this year’s Vuelta a España and Tour Down Under, but it ultimately did not come. Marit finds himself in a tricky position where he has the quality but at this point in time many teams have either closed their lists for 2026 or have limited spots and budget.
Marit is ultimately forced to look for a new team, but his quality seems to have not been neglected by World Tour teams, who could use another sprinter in their team. Marit, who was also fourth at this year’s Kuurne – Bruxelles – Kuurne, is reported to be likely heading to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
Such a move would be rather logic taking into consideration the German team’s extensive budget which allows it to continue signing World Tour figures, and the departure of Sam Welsford as a third sprinter together with Jordi Meeus and Danny van Poppel. The team currently has two positions (taking into consideration Oier Lazkano’s current situation) to fill and it could well be Thijssen one of the chosen riders, which would give the team further depth in the sprinter division and allow it to pursue strong results in more events throughout the year.
Arne Marit on the slopes of the Alto de l’Angliru at the 2025 Vuelta. @Sirotti