Next new addition: Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe brings in former Gravel World Champion
TOUR
· 27.08.2025
Belgian professional cyclist Gianni Vermeersch will be racing for the German WorldTour team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe from the 2026 season. After Remco Evenepoel (from Soudal Quick-Step) and Callum Thornley (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies), this is the third new addition to the Raubling-based racing team for the coming season. The 32-year-old Vermeersch comes from Alpecin - Deceuninck and will primarily strengthen the team's classics line-up and contribute his extensive experience in the demanding spring races. Vermeersch is considered a proven specialist for the tough one-day races in northern Europe, where cobblestone sectors and short, steep climbs, the so-called Hellingen, characterise the racing action. The Belgian also feels at home on gravel roads, which is underlined by his title as the first UCI Gravel World Champion in 2022. With seven participations in the Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) and five starts in the Paris-Roubaix classics, Vermeersch has exactly the kind of experience that the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team management is looking for in its classics squad. The transfer is intended to help remedy the deficits in the squad that were recognised last spring and to make better use of the existing talents. For Vermeersch, the move means a fresh start after many years in the same environment and the chance to contribute his skills to a new team.
Gianni Vemeersch: Strategic reinforcement for the spring classics
The signing of Gianni Vermeersch follows a clear strategic direction for the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team. "With Gianni, we want to close gaps that became apparent last spring," explains Ralph Denk, CEO of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. "Our squad undoubtedly has a lot of classic quality. But we often lacked the routine, depth and assertiveness to shape the final with our talents. We are convinced that Gianni can make the difference." This statement makes it clear that the German WorldTour team wants to further increase its ambitions in the prestigious spring classics. While the team has caused a stir in recent years, particularly in the Grand Tour with riders such as Florian Lipowitz, Primož Roglič and Jai Hindley, the next stage of development is now set to follow in the one-day races. Vermeersch will not only contribute his personal skills, but will also use his experience to act as a mentor for the younger classics specialists in the team and help them to better realise their potential.
Gianni Vermeersch is looking forward to a new challenge at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe
The move to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe represents a significant career step for Gianni Vermeersch after years of continuity. The Belgian is positive about his upcoming change of team: "I'm really looking forward to this new chapter in my career. After many years in the same environment, a whole new world is opening up for me. It's an honour to become part of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and I'm looking forward to sharing my classics experience with the younger riders."
