André Greipel is set to leave Lotto Soudal, the Belgian team has announced today. The team released a brief statement saying: “Lotto Soudal and André Greipel want to inform you that after eight successful years, their collaboration comes to an end. Once André has announced his plans for the future, both André and the team will be available to give more explanation.”
The German sprinter has raced for the team since 2011 when they were sponsored by Omega Pharma Lotto and during his time with the team, he has won eleven stages of the Tour de France and three stages of the Giro d’Italia. In addition, he has also won numerous one-day races including Vattenfall Cyclassics (2015), Brussels Cycling Classic (2013 and 2014) and the German National Road Race Championships (2013, 2014 and 2016).
Greipel abandoned the Tour de France a few days ago on the mountainous stage from Bourg-Saint-Maurice Les Arcs to Alpe d’Huez. The 36 year-old had struggled during the first few kilometres of the Col de la Madeleine, the first climb of the day, and was dropped from the peloton. On the Col de la Croix de Fer, Greipel quit the race together with teammate Marcel Sieberg. It was the first time in eight participations that Greipel has abandoned the Tour.
