After 33 years dedicated to developing Flemish cycling talent, one of the longest-standing teams in professional cycling announces the end of its activities. It is with deep regret that we announce that the Team Flanders - Baloise will cease its activities as a professional cycling team at the end of the 2026 season.

This is stated by team manager Christophe Sercu in a statement that reads: "Following the decision by the Flemish Government, announced in the middle of last year, to withdraw as the team's main partner from 2027 onwards, we have done everything possible to secure the financial resources necessary to continue the project in a sustainable and competitive manner. Despite these considerable efforts, unfortunately we were unable to achieve this goal.

Consequently, one of the longest-standing teams in professional cycling will cease to exist. For 33 years, Team Flanders - Baloise has been dedicated to identifying, developing and guiding young Flemish cycling talents, earning itself a prominent place in the international professional peloton.

Over the past three decades, 218 Flemish riders have competed at professional level for Team Flanders - Baloise. As many as 111 of them have reached the highest levels of cycling, joining a UCI WorldTeam (87) or a UCI ProTeam (24). We are confident that several riders from our current squad will take the same step at the end of this season. These results speak for themselves and underscore the crucial role that Team Flanders - Baloise has played in the development of Flemish cycling for over thirty years.

In recent months, we have been deeply moved by the countless messages of appreciation, encouragement and support we have received. They demonstrate how much this team has meant to so many people. Ultimately, however, economic and financial realities have determined the future of our project.

Acknowledgements

The success of Team Flanders - Baloise would never have been possible without the dedication, commitment and loyalty of countless people and organizations. We therefore wish to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported the team over the past 33 years, and in particular to:

- The Flemish Government, whose support made the creation of the team possible and who placed its trust in this project for many years.

- Our loyal sponsors and partners, some of whom have stood by us throughout the team's thirty-three-year history

- Our sporting directors, doctors, coaches, masseurs, mechanics, administrative staff and all other members of our organization, whose professionalism, expertise and tireless commitment formed the foundation of our success.

- Every rider who proudly represented the colors of Team Flanders - Baloise. • The organizers of the numerous races that welcomed our team year after year.

- Journalists, cycling officials, supporters, cycling enthusiasts and all those who believed in our project and helped make it possible.

A Broader Concern

The disappearance of Team Flanders - Baloise also highlights a broader issue afflicting professional cycling today. Maintaining a UCI ProTeam on a financially sustainable basis has become increasingly difficult. While the budgets of UCI WorldTeams have increased significantly in recent years, many UCI ProTeams are struggling more and more to remain economically sustainable.

The data clearly illustrates this trend. In 2018 there were 27 men's UCI ProTeams worldwide. By 2026, this number has been reduced to just 16.

We sincerely hope that this development will encourage significant reflection on the future structure of professional cycling. A healthy and sustainable sport requires not only strong UCI WorldTeams, but also a solid second tier of professional cycling with a sufficient number of ambitious and financially stable UCI ProTeams.

A Look to the Future

Although the dissolution of Team Flanders - Baloise is announced today, our story has not yet reached its final chapter. We still have several months of racing ahead of us and, until the last race, we will continue to work with the same determination, passion and professionalism that have characterized this team over the past 33 years.

The fact that our team is experiencing one of the most brilliant sporting seasons in recent years, even in its final season, once again reflects the exceptional commitment and professionalism of our riders and staff. We are determined to bring this unique project to a close, fully honoring everything it has stood for.

Finally, we look back with immense gratitude at everything Team Flanders - Baloise has contributed to Flemish cycling over the past 33 years. Above all, we thank everyone who has been part of this extraordinary adventure.