Ben Turner to Soudal-QuickStep in 2027 and Arnaud De Lie to leave Lotto-Intermarché? – Belgian media start rumour mill early for next season

Belgian media have ignited early speculation regarding significant rider transfers ahead of the 2027 season, with British all-rounder Ben Turner reportedly poised to leave Ineos Grenadiers for Soudal-QuickStep. Turner, who has been with Ineos since 2022, has built a reputation as a versatile Classics contender, participating in major cobbled races such as Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix. His notable performances include a surprise sprint victory during a hilly stage of the 2023 Vuelta a España and a win in a challenging stage of the Tour de Pologne, underscoring his potential value to Soudal-QuickStep’s revamped Classics squad. Soudal-QuickStep is currently restructuring its cobbled Classics roster following the departure of Remco Evenepoel, with recent successes including Tim Merlier’s Scheldeprijs triumph and Jasper Stuyven’s podium finish at Paris-Roubaix. Turner is expected to be a key addition in this overhaul, while other established riders such as Ethan Hayter and Mikel Landa are anticipated to depart the Belgian team by the end of 2026. These changes signify a strategic shift as Soudal-QuickStep aims to bolster its competitiveness in the Spring Classics and cobbled races. Another major potential move involves Lotto-Intermarché’s leading sprinter Arnaud De Lie, who may be on the verge of leaving the Belgian WorldTour outfit. Following the exit of Biniam Girmay last winter, De Lie’s departure would mark a second significant loss of a top fastman for the team within two years. Reports suggest that teams like Tudor and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe are interested in securing De Lie’s services, which could trigger further reshuffling in the sprinting ranks across the peloton. In contrast to the flurry of transfer rumours, French Classics specialist Christophe Laporte appears set to remain with Visma-Lease a Bike beyond 2026. Laporte’s contribution has been crucial to the team’s success, notably supporting Wout van Aert’s strong performance at Paris-Roubaix. His likely contract extension provides some stability amid the broader market movements and highlights the importance of retaining experienced riders in key roles for Classics campaigns.