There are growing reports that Aqua Blue Sport is set to merge with Vérandas Willems-Crelan. However, not statements or confirmation have been issued by either team. Above, Irish champion Conor Dunne is one of the really aggressive men on the Aqua Blue Sport roster this year (Photo: Karen M Edwards)
Aqua Blue and Vérandas Willems team merger mooted
News reports in Belgium, followed up by other Continental European news outlets, claim Aqua Blue Sport is set to merge with the Vérandas Willems-Crelan team.
Both teams are currently riding at ProContinental level; Aqua Blue Sport is Irish and Vérandas Willems-Crelan is a Belgian outfit.
Stickybottle requested a statement from both teams. While the Belgian squad had not replied at the time of writing, Aqua Blue Sport said it would issue a statement imminently.
However, it should be stressed that it was not clear if that statement would confirm reports of a merger.
Advertisement
Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws has said several confidential sources have confirmed to it that the teams are set to merge.
Aqua Blue Sport enjoyed a very strong opening season last year; securing a Vuelta invite and winning a stage there.
This year the riders have also ridden well, but the team has found it harder to secure invites to major races.
In recent months owner Rick Delaney revealed he had spent €7 million on the team. He also indicated the team’s website, which sells cycling kit, had not reached the hoped-for financial targets.
And because of that, the squad would not be self-financing as planned. Instead, it would need to look for third party sponsorship.
Against that background, a possible merger with another team would not be surprising.
Related News
Wout van Aert is the big name at the Belgian ProContinental team.
At Vérandas Willems-Crelan, the main sponsor – a home extension company – ends its backing of the team at the end of this season.
Its secondary sponsor, Crelan, is a financial institution and is continuing its support for next year.
Nick Nuyens, the 2011 Tour of Flanders winner, is a key figure behind the Belgian team. And he has already made it known it is looking for new backing.
The team’s star turn this year has been world cyclocross champion Wout van Aert. The 23-year-old Belgian switched to the road early this year.
He enjoyed an impressive classics campaign, which included 3rd in Strade Bianche. However, he remains committed to cyclocross for next season.
It means he is contracted to the Vérandas Willems-Crelan team for the 2019 road season as the team has agreed to allow him continue riding cyclocross.
On the Aqua Blue Sport team; Irish riders Eddie Dunbar and Conor Dunne have proven among the most aggressive and they were expected to stay with the team for next year.
Belgian reports have said Bob De Cnodder has been a key figure in bringing the two teams together, though there is no official announcement on a merger.
De Cnodder is has held a variety of management roles in pro cycling. Last year he worked as a directeur with Veranda’s Willems-Crelan.
And the previous year had worked with An Post-Chainreaction. He also previously worked with Vacansoleil-DCM.
He was hired at the start of this year by Aqua Blue Sport to work as a directeur sportif. However, he is now also listed as general manager of the team.
And the man who was general manager at the start of the year, Stephen Moore, is not currently listed by the team as part of its management team.
Topics
