Hot on the heels of reports that Eddie Dunbar is on the way out of Ineos Grenadiers, the Irish rider has now also been linked to Dutch team Jumbo Visma.
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad has reported, in a brief piece, that Jumbo Visma is interested in Dunbar and his Ineos Grenadiers, and Paris-Roubaix-winning, team mate Dylan Van Baarle.
The newspaper reports that, for now, Jumbo Visma has expressed an interest in Dunbar, though it appears it has already signed Van Baarle, with the reporting around his transfer a lot more definite.
Yesterday reports in the Italian media suggested BikeExchange-Jayco were interested in signing Dunbar, as well as his team mate Adam Yates who previously rode for the Australian team alongside his twin brother, Simon.
Dunbar’s contract with Ineos Grenadiers expires at the end of this year. While the official transfer announcement window does not open until August 1st, speculation always mounts around this time of year about out of contract riders.
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It is not surprising that the Irishman is being linked to more than one team as his climbing prowess would make him a real asset for any World Tour squad. He also scored a perfectly timed win last month at Coppi e Bartali; that first pro win strengthening his hand in contract talks.
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On the face of it, the 25-year-old - now in his eighth season in the pro peloton - would probably secure better remuneration at Jumbo Visma. At the Dutch team he would likely mainly be a support rider for leaders such as Primož Roglič, Jonas Vingegaard and Wout van Aert. However, he may also get his own chances.
BikeExchange would definitely offer Dunbar more opportunities to target results of his own as the roster is not as deep with top talent, especially top class climbers. He would get more chances in hillier one-day races and in stage races - to aim for GC and stage wins - than at Ineos Grenadiers or Jumbo Visma.
It looks like Ineos Grenadiers is in for s shake-up with Dunbar, Dylan Van Baarle, Adam Yates and Richard Carapaz all linked with moves away from the team.
While Dunbar has been linked to both Jumbo Visma and BikeExchange-Jayco and Van Baarle and Yates have been linked to Jumbo Visma and BikeExchange-Jayco respectively, reports suggest Carapaz may be going back to Movistar.
Meanwhile, Team DSM’s 22-year-old Dutch rider Thymen Arensman appears to be on his way to Ineos Grenadiers, which is in the process of building a strong group of very young riders.
Ben Turner (22), Ben Tulett (20), Kim Heiduk (22), Luke Plapp (21) and Magnus Sheffield (20) have all joined the team this year to add to the likes of Ethan Turner (23) Carlos Rodríguez (21) and Tom Pidcock (22).
