The Tour de France is also probably the biggest transfer market in cycling. All the big teams, riders and managers are in one place, making it the perfect opportunity for consultants.
Some deals have already been concluded, others are being finalised. Officially, new employers cannot be announced until 1 August, but there is plenty of speculation about big names.
Nils Politt
Before the Tour, Bora team boss Ralph Denk was cautious. "The contract expires, we currently have no agreement for next year. It takes two to continue," said the 49-year-old. According to dpa information, Politt will not extend his contract. The classics specialist is said to have reached an agreement with Tadej Pogacar's UAE team. Financially this should be worthwhile, the departure would hit Bora hard. Meanwhile, the best German team will strengthen itself with sprinter Sam Welsford and climbing specialist Daniel Martinez.
Fabio Jakobsen
The top sprinter has already announced that he will not be renewing his contract with Team QuickStep-Soudal. For the European champion, it is clear that team boss Patrick Lefevere wants to put together a classification team for world champion Remco Evenepoel. The European champion sees little chance for his own ambitions. The most likely new employer is Team DSM, which will probably lose its sprinter Welsford to Bora.
Tobias Foss
The time trial world champion has had a mixed season so far and will be leaving Jumbo-Visma. It is most likely that the Norwegian will return to his sporting homeland. Team UnoX relies exclusively on Scandinavian riders and Foss already rode there for two years in the junior ranks. Top Danish rider Michael Mörkov has also been linked to the financially strong team from Norway.
Tao Geoghegan Hart and Mikel Landa
The two top cyclists could ride together at Lidl-Trek in the future. Former Giro winner Geoghegan Hart will surprisingly leave Ineos and could become the captain of the US team with the German sponsor for the Tour. Landa, who is now 33 years old, would be an important helper in the mountains, but the Spaniard is also being considered by AG2R.
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