Mergers are never fun for employees. They bring a lot of instability, insecurity, and layoffs to practically every role in the company. However, they exist as a guaranteed way to expand and make bigger moves if you’re a corporation. Funnily enough, things in a corporation are not all that far away from that of a sports team. Mergers happen, and people join and leave teams in search of more money and job fulfillment. Often, people leave solely on the basis of how successful they can be in their current position. However, when it comes to the subject of Soudal Quick-Step and Jumbo-Visma, the two companies’ employees were not in a position to leave under those conditions.

That’s right, very soon after their merger, Soudal Quick-Step and Jumbo-Visma had almost no choice but to opt for layoffs. Consequently, 20 of their riders are now without a job.

No jobs after merger

The two companies had 25 riders each contracted till 2024. According to sources, Jumbo-Visma will curate around six riders for their roster next year. Kasper Asgreen, James Knox, and Mattia Cattaneo could all be available just on the off-chance that the team wants to step into a new direction. However, for this, they would have to wait until October, as per league rules. Still, they might be able to work a loophole if Soudal Quick-Ste announces that it is disbanding.

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As of now, no such plans are in motion. The company also released a memo last week, which called for patience, calm, and confidentiality. Unfortunately, even experts fear the worst for riders as the merger is executed. “It’s the riders who get hurt and I just hope that those making the decisions do the right thing by the riders,” leading agent João Correia said. Correia’s agency represents pro-cycling’s biggest names.

“I can see a situation where some riders are paid because they have a contract but that there isn’t a team to race for,” he added.

More than just the riders will lose their jobs

However, it’s not just the riders that are in jeopardy. There are about 100 in Soudal Quick-Step’s employ. Even if a second-division team picks up Patrick Lefevere’s license, there is little hope that many of those 200 would get hired. However, with spots on Movistar, Astana, and Ineos Grenadiers still on the table, many riders look likely to miss out on a merger taking place.

Even if you disregard the merger, there were several employees who were hanging on to the last year of their contracts. However, now, 20 new riders will have just flooded the marketplace. Even more interesting is that they will be on the market very late in the year. So, it seems very much like the battle for survival in the World Tour has taken on an even more perilous edge.

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