Lotto-Intermarché Confirms License Application Submission in Merger Approval Process

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Lotto-Intermarché Submits UCI World Tour Re-Submission for 2026

Brussels, Belgium – October 26, 2023 – The Lotto Cycling Team, operating under the license of Captains of Cycling, has confirmed the formal submission of its application to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for inclusion in the UCI World Tour starting in 2026. The application was filed before the October 15 deadline, a crucial requirement set by the governing body of professional cycling.

Restructuring and Leadership Changes

The newly formed Belgian team is currently outlining its operational structure, future growth strategies, and sporting goals. Details are still emerging,but the institution is currently led by a trio of key figures. Jean-François Bourlart serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the business and administrative aspects of the team. Aike Visbeek is responsible for performance, focusing on the athletic development of the riders. Kurt Van de Wouwer holds the position of Sports Director, providing strategic direction during races.

Recent changes within the team include the departure of Stéphane Heulot, signaling a shift in leadership as the organization prepares for its World Tour bid.

Rider Roster and Potential Adjustments

A significant point of interest is the future of Biniam Girmay, a prominent Eritrean cyclist. Wiht the merger between Intermarché and Lotto,Girmay’s contract status allows him the freedom to choose his team affiliation according to UCI regulations. The team expects a streamlining of the rider roster to meet World Tour requirements.

Currently,the combined teams have 38 riders under contract for the upcoming season. UCI regulations stipulate that World Tour teams cannot exceed a maximum of 30 riders, necessitating tough decisions regarding roster reduction. Did You Know? The UCI World Tour is the highest professional level of road cycling,featuring a selective calendar of races and demanding performance standards.

Key Team Details	Facts
Team Name	Lotto-Intermarché Cycling Team
License Holder	Captains of Cycling
UCI World Tour Application Year	2026
Current Rider Count	38
World Tour Rider Limit	30

The cycling landscape has seen considerable evolution in recent years. According to Statista, global cycling revenue reached $16.93 billion in 2023, showing the growing economic importance of the sport.Source: Statista

pro Tip: Understanding the UCI’s regulations is crucial for teams aiming for World Tour status, especially regarding rider contracts and team size.

The process of rejoining the UCI World Tour is complex, requiring not only sporting performance but also robust financial stability and a clearly defined organizational structure. The team’s successful application will hinge on demonstrating these elements to the UCI.

The UCI World Tour: A Deeper Look

the UCI World Tour is an annual series of elite road cycling races. Teams gain entry based on a points ranking system, showcasing their consistent performance throughout the season. Being a part of the World Tour provides significant benefits, including guaranteed participation in major races like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. it also enhances a team’s visibility and attracts sponsorship opportunities.

The competition for World Tour licenses is fierce, with teams from around the globe vying for limited spots. Factors considered by the UCI include sporting criteria, financial solvency, and ethical conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the UCI World Tour? The UCI World Tour is the highest level of professional road cycling, comprising a series of prestigious races.
• When will the Lotto-Intermarché team know if their application is successful? The UCI will announce its decisions regarding World Tour licenses in due course, typically after a thorough review process.
• How many riders can a UCI World Tour team have? A UCI World Tour team is limited to a maximum of 30 riders.
• What is the importance of Biniam Girmay’s contract situation? Girmay’s contract allows him to choose any team following the Intermarché-Lotto merger, making his future a key talking point.
• What are the key leadership roles within the Lotto-Intermarché team? Jean-François Bourlart is the CEO, Aike Visbeek handles performance, and Kurt Van de Wouwer serves as the Sports Director.

What impact do you think the team restructuring will have on their performance in the upcoming seasons? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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What are the key components of the Lotto-Intermarché license application submitted to ARJEL?

the path to Consolidation: A Deep Dive

Lotto-Intermarché, the collaborative venture between Française des Jeux (FDJ) and the Intermarché retail group, has officially confirmed the submission of its license application to the relevant regulatory bodies. This marks a significant step in the ongoing process to secure approval for the merger, aiming to create a powerful force in the French lottery market. The application covers all aspects of lottery operation, including game management, retail network integration, and responsible gaming initiatives. This advancement follows months of strategic planning and negotiation, signaling a commitment to streamlining operations and enhancing the player experience.

Key Details of the License Application

The submitted application is thorough, addressing several critical areas:

* Operational Structure: Details the proposed organizational structure of lotto-Intermarché, outlining roles and responsibilities.

* retail Network Integration: A detailed plan for integrating the Intermarché retail network into the FDJ’s existing distribution channels. This includes training programs for retailers and logistical considerations for ticket distribution.

* Game Portfolio: Confirmation of the existing lottery games offered – including LOTO®, EuroMillions, and Keno – with potential plans for future game development and innovation.As of October 15th, 2025, the LOTO® draw offers a minimum jackpot of €2 million three times a week. (Source: https://www.fdj.fr/jeux-de-tirage/loto/resultats/samedi-11-octobre-2025).

* Responsible Gaming: A robust framework for promoting responsible gaming practices, including measures to prevent problem gambling and protect vulnerable individuals.

* Financial Projections: Detailed financial forecasts demonstrating the viability and sustainability of the merged entity.

* Technological Infrastructure: An overview of the technological infrastructure that will support lottery operations, including ticket validation systems and data analytics capabilities.

Regulatory Hurdles and Timeline

The license application now enters a period of review by the relevant regulatory authorities, primarily the Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL) – the French online gambling regulator. the review process typically involves:

1. Initial Assessment: ARJEL will first assess the completeness of the application.
2. Detailed Examination: A thorough examination of all submitted documentation, including financial records, operational plans, and responsible gaming policies.
3. Public consultation (Potential): Depending on the complexity of the merger, ARJEL may initiate a public consultation period to gather feedback from stakeholders.
4. Decision: ARJEL will ultimately issue a decision either approving, rejecting, or requesting modifications to the application.

Industry analysts predict a decision could be reached within the next six to nine months, possibly by Q2 2026. Delays are possible,depending on the complexity of the review and any potential concerns raised by regulators.

Impact on the French Lottery Market

The Lotto-Intermarché merger is expected to have a significant impact on the French lottery landscape:

* Increased Competition: While a consolidation,it will strengthen the position of FDJ against other forms of entertainment and gambling.

* Enhanced Player Experience: The combined resources of FDJ and Intermarché could lead to innovations in game design, retail experiences, and online platforms.

* Wider Accessibility: Leveraging the extensive Intermarché retail network will increase the accessibility of lottery games to a broader audience.

* Synergies and Cost Savings: The merger is anticipated to generate significant synergies and cost savings through streamlined operations and shared resources.

* Potential for Innovation: Combining the expertise of both companies could foster innovation in areas like digital lottery offerings and responsible gaming technologies.

The Role of Intermarché and FDJ

The partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations. FDJ brings its expertise in lottery operation, game development, and regulatory compliance. Intermarché contributes its extensive retail network, strong brand recognition, and customer base. This synergy is crucial for expanding the reach of lottery games and enhancing the overall player experience. The Intermarché network, with its presence in numerous towns and cities across France, provides a valuable distribution channel for lottery products.

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