CPA president Adam Hansen exposes rider confusion and heartbreak during Lotto–Intermarché merger

Hansen reveals that the CPA (Cyclistes Professionnels Associés, which safeguards the interests of the professional riders) had to step in when confusion arose over riders’ contracts during the recent Lotto-Intermaché team merger.

“The riders deserved to know their situation, and they should have known months ago,” he wrote, explaining how several athletes only found out through him that they wouldn’t have a contract for next season. For some, even their agents believed they were secure. “That’s what the teams had communicated. The CPA should not be the one delivering this kind of news.”

The situation, Hansen said, was “heartbreaking” and highlighted the need for a stronger system to protect riders’ rights. “We need to work closely with the UCI to create a stronger protocol, one that truly protects riders in these situations.” He suggested that future mergers should only be approved if every rider either has a confirmed place within the new team or a guaranteed offer elsewhere.

Despite the turmoil, Hansen praised both teams involved for finding a solution that ensures there will be a team next year. He also acknowledged the broader financial strain within the sport, noting that several teams are struggling to stay afloat. “Four teams almost folded this season,” he wrote, “so it’s positive that two were able to unite and allow one to continue.”

Once the merger situation settles, Hansen said the CPA’s focus will return to SafeR (pro cycling's independent body focused on improving rider safety), the initiative designed to make racing safer through clearer rules and accountability.

One area under review is the yellow card system, which Hansen admits still has inconsistencies. “Sprinters, by nature, are more likely to receive yellow cards because sprints are so tightly regulated. We need a straightforward reference list of what is acceptable and what is not.”

Workshops with top sprinters, lead-out specialists and UCI commissaires have already helped improve communication and mutual understanding. Hansen shared that “rider’s own fault” incidents have dropped by 25 percent compared to last year, suggesting the SafeR system is starting to make a difference.

He also revealed plans for a new initiative to make sprinting rules even clearer. “I have spoken with several sprinters about creating a Sprint Handbook and they like the idea, a simple, crystal-clear guide that outlines in one-sentence points what is and is not allowed in a sprint. The goal is to make it easy to understand and consistent for everyone.”

Still, he believes there is more to do. “The system is moving in the right direction, but like everyone, we all want it to move faster.” He added that the focus should now expand beyond sprinting. “We need to focus more on reducing incidents in other categories as well.”