UCI World Tour rider flees unemployment

With many years of experience competing at the UCI World Tour level, Belgian cyclist Rémy Mertz faces the risk of unemployment at the peak of his career.

Rémy Mertz was successful in Lotto-Soudal

Sharing with the media about his uncertain future, Rémy Mertz sadly confided: "I really hope something good will come."

It appears to be a difficult time for the Belgian, who has come close to giving up on continuing his professional career at UCI World Tour level. The 28-year-old has spent the last three years at Bingoal WB, after four seasons with Lotto-Soudal on the UCI World Tour. But with his current contract set to expire at the end of this year, the Bingoal WB team have refused to renew the Belgian’s contract.

During his nearly 10 years of professional racing, Rémy Mertz has participated in the Vuelta a Espana twice (in 2017 and 2020) in the Lotto-Soudal jersey.

Bingoal WB does not renew contract with Rémy Mertz

“Looking back now, I don’t think I was mature enough when I decided to leave Lotto-Soudal. I was young and impressed by my famous leaders. I was trained to help them win and internally they were always happy with me. So I didn’t leave in protest. But after four years, I decided to look for my own opportunity at Bingoal WB,” he explained to WielerFlits.

"My goal was clear, to make a new step at Bingoal WB. It went well for the first two years, but it still took a bit of time to really adapt. Over time, I started to get more and more used to my new environment. I was really motivated to fight because I felt that I could still improve as a rider. However, illness and injuries have increased this year. If that hadn't happened, I would have been in a completely different situation."

Rémy Mertz faces the risk of unemployment at the age of 28

Even Arnaud De Lie, the current star of Lotto-Dstny, could not help Rémy Mertz.

"I've been training with him for the last few years. Of course, I've sent him messages, but he's not a big player in the team. Also, Arnaud De Lie needs to secure a place for his brother first. Of course, it would be a dream for me to return to the Belgian team because there are enough places. You hear the same thing when you ask for offers from most teams. I really hope that something good will come. Physically, I'm in the best phase of my career right now."

KIM MINH

Source