Lotto Focuses on WorldTour Return
Introduction
Lotto's plans for the 2026 WorldTour season are taking shape as the Belgian ProTeam aims to secure their position in the rankings. Despite a steady accumulation of points, the team is wary of the competitive landscape and is focused on maximizing their performance in the upcoming races.
Current Standings
As of now, Lotto is ranked 10th in the 2023-2025 UCI points standings with a total of 28,705 points, comfortably ahead of the 18th place, which is currently held by Picnic-PostNL at 21,242 points. The team believes they are on stable ground but recognizes the importance of maintaining their competitive edge.
Plan for Upcoming Races
The team has opted out of the Giro d'Italia, redirecting their focus toward races in May. Lotto's sports manager, Kurt Van De Wouwer, expressed confidence in their standing but stressed the need to keep striving for additional points. Following a difficult spring that included multiple injuries, they have a revised race schedule aimed at regaining momentum.
Injury Setbacks and Recovery
Lotto faced significant challenges during the spring with notable injuries impacting their roster. The recent departures of key riders have left gaps in the lineup, but there’s optimism as several athletes are on the path to recovery, including Arnaud De Lie, who is set to return at the Rund um Köln event on May 18.
Recent Performances and New Additions
Despite only two victories in 2025, including stages at the Etoile des Bessèges and Tour of Turkey, the recent addition of veteran sprinter Elia Viviani has brought fresh energy. His success in Turkey underscores his determination to contribute significantly before retirement. The entire team is looking to build on these successes going into the summer months.
Outlook for the Future
As Lotto prepares for the upcoming races, Van De Wouwer emphasizes the importance of a full-strength team, which will be crucial for making a mark in future competitions. With expectations to start seeing improvements and consistency in performance, Lotto aims to advance further in the rankings as they prepare for the 2026 WorldTour season.
