Cycling transfers for the year 2026 kick off with Jasper Stuyven joining Soudal Quick-Step as a new recruit.
The professional cycling world is abuzz with excitement as the transfer period officially kicked off on August 1, 2025. Teams are making moves that will reshape the rosters, tactics, and dynamics for the upcoming 2026 season, impacting both the men's and women's WorldTour circuits.
One of the most significant shifts comes with Jasper Stuyven's move from Lidl-Trek to Soudal Quick-Step. Stuyven, a three-time winner of Milan-San Remo, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, is set to bring a fresh boost to Soudal Quick-Step's sprint and classics line-up.
Another major acquisition for the 2026 season is Remco Evenepoel, who has signed a long-term deal to join Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. This move is expected to strengthen Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe's prospects significantly.
The Intermarché-Wanty and Lotto merger, set to take place soon, may lead to several rider contract invalidations, making many Intermarché riders eligible for transfer. Biniam Girmay, a notable Intermarché rider, is expected to remain with the merged team but is reportedly seeking a substantial contract renewal.
The Arkéa-B&B Hotels teams face sponsorship crises, creating uncertainty over their continuation, which may also have transfer implications.
Erin Boothman, a promising cyclist, has been promoted from Liv AlUla Jayco's continental team to the main team, marking a significant step in her career.
In addition to these moves, Attila Valter, a three-time Hungarian champion and a notable contender, has signed a three-year deal with Bahrain Victorious. Valter, who spent time in pink at the 2021 Giro d'Italia, is expected to bolster Bahrain Victorious's ranks.
It's important to note that while many deals are being negotiated, a comprehensive, finalized list of all transfers has not yet been published. The transfer window remains open until the end of the year, with teams and riders announcing transfers from August 1 to August 15. Official confirmations are not required until December 31.
Riders can switch teams during the year, but such deals must be done by August. The ongoing transfer activity is a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of the professional cycling world, as teams finalize their line-ups for the 2026 season.
[1] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 3). Major transfers for 2026 men's and women's WorldTour pelotons. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/major-transfers-for-2026-mens-and-womens-worldtour-pelotons-401783
[2] Velonews. (2025, August 5). Stuyven, Evenepoel among notable transfers for 2026 WorldTour pelotons. Retrieved from https://velonews.com/news/racing/stuyven-evenepoel-among-notable-transfers-for-2026-worldtour-pelotons/
[3] Cyclingnews. (2025, August 7). Intermarché-Wanty-Lotto merger to impact rider contracts and transfers. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/intermarche-wanty-lotto-merger-to-impact-rider-contracts-and-transfers/
[4] VeloNews. (2025, August 9). Evenepoel signs long-term deal with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Retrieved from https://velonews.com/news/racing/evenepoel-signs-long-term-deal-with-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe/
[5] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 11). No comprehensive, finalized list of all transfers published yet. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/no-comprehensive-finalized-list-of-all-transfers-published-yet-401797
[1] In the midst of the thrilling hype surrounding the 2026 WorldTour cycling season, the conversation extends beyond the traditional peloton, as football-style transfers are now shaking up the sports landscape.
[2] As fans eagerly anticipate the seasons ahead, football's transfer window strategy could potentially influence the professional cycling world, with star cyclists possibly changing teams just as their counterparts in football do.
