The impact of an overcrowded transfer market, late major moves and team uncertainty is continuing into the new year, with late transfers being announced in January, the latest being Louis Barré signing for Visma-Lease a Bike.
French puncheur Barré is a victim of the Lotto Intermarché merger, which has seen several riders out of contract late in the season. Despite being one of Intermarché-Wanty’s best performers in 2025, Barré wasn’t brought over to the newly merged team, and seemingly had some delay finding a new home, with his arrival at Visma only announced on Thursday, January 1.
The Frenchman isn’t the only Intermarché rider to have his fate confirmed late on, with former teammate Kobe Goossens also announcing his retirement on Thursday at only 29.
Late moves in January aren’t unheard of, but the market chaos in 2025 – with mergers and promotion/relegation meaning there were many more riders than spots available – has shifted the transfer period forward, with things still shaking out in the new year.
Despite what may have been a nerve-wracking late move, Barré will arrive at Visma as an added Classics and stage-winning option who will thrive in the hilly Classics. In 2025, he impressed with top 10s on stages at the Critérium du Dauphiné and Tour de Romandie, and sixth at the stacked French National Championships. He has signed a contract through to the end of 2028.
“The team’s story and the plans they have really convinced me,” the 25-year-old said. “Team Visma–Lease a Bike is one of the best teams in the world, and I believe that with the support and structure here I can make significant progress. The team is innovative in every area: nutrition, equipment, training camps, and more. I want to challenge myself, and I think this is where I can become the best version of myself.”
The team’s head of racing Grischa Niermann added: “Louis caught our eye during the tougher one-day races. He achieved some great results there, and he also showed himself in the Dauphiné. He is still relatively young and has good…
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