The cycling world is abuzz with more than just rider transfers this off-season. Behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is unfolding as key team staff and sports directors switch allegiances, reshaping the landscape of professional cycling for 2026. While the rider transfer market has been the focal point since August 1, the movement of team personnel is equally—if not more—influential in determining a team's future success. But here's where it gets controversial: are these staff changes a strategic masterstroke or a risky gamble that could backfire? Let’s dive into the key moves and analyze what they mean for the teams involved.
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe: A Bold New Era
The most dramatic changes are happening at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who are pulling out all the stops to accommodate the arrival of Remco Evenepoel. In a move that shocked many, they axed nearly their entire directing staff post-Tour de France, including Chief of Sports Rolf Aldag, Bernie Eisel, Heinrich Haussler, and Enrico Gasparotto. This sweeping overhaul is designed to make way for a new era centered around Evenepoel. So far, they’ve appointed Zak Dempster as Chief of Sports and Oli Cookson as Head of Racing, both poached from Ineos Grenadiers. Evenepoel is also bringing his trusted allies, former Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout and Soudal-QuickStep DS Klaas Lodewyck, into the fold.
But here’s the part most people miss: The addition of two DSs from Evenepoel’s inner circle signals Red Bull’s all-in commitment to the Belgian star. It’s clear he’s not just another rider—he’s the face of the team, even if riders like Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz might feel otherwise. John Wakefield, who led the team’s successful development branch, has been promoted to Director of Coaching, Sports Science, and Technical Development. His proven track record with rookies and juniors suggests he could work similar magic with the WorldTour squad.
Recruiting Dempster is a shrewd move, too. The Australian director has quietly built a reputation as a smart and hardworking tactician at Ineos. Red Bull’s decision to gut their staff and start afresh is bold, but it’s the kind of drastic change needed to align with new ambitions. Is this a recipe for success, or have they thrown the baby out with the bathwater? Only time will tell.
Ineos Grenadiers: A Tough Loss to Fill
Ineos Grenadiers are on the receiving end of Red Bull’s poaching, losing Zak Dempster, their most senior DS since Steve Cummings’ departure. Dempster was a driving force behind Ineos’ more aggressive racing style this year, and his loss is a significant blow. While Geraint Thomas is rumored to take on a senior role, it’s unlikely to be a traditional DS position—he hasn’t pursued the necessary UCI license. Salvatore Puccio and Ben Swift are potential candidates to step into staff roles, but filling Dempster’s shoes won’t be easy.
Bahrain Victorious: A Strategic Addition
Bahrain Victorious have capitalized on Red Bull’s exodus by signing Enrico Gasparotto. This is a smart move for a team that struggled in 2025 and has lacked high-profile DSs. Gasparotto’s two-year stint as a rider for Bahrain gives him invaluable insight into the team’s culture, making his transition smoother. Can he be the missing piece Bahrain needs to turn their fortunes around?
Movistar: A Fresh Perspective
Movistar have also undergone a significant overhaul, restructuring their management into four key departments: performance, racing, health, and riders. The standout move is the appointment of Matt White to co-lead the racing department. White, a highly respected director, brings a wealth of experience from his time at Jayco AlUla. His move to Movistar could provide the fresh perspective the team needs as they welcome Cian Uijtdebroeks as a new GC contender. But will his past controversies overshadow his expertise?
UAE Team ADQ: Building a Powerhouse
On the women’s side, UAE Team ADQ have made a key acquisition by signing Michel Cornelisse from Fenix-Deceuninck. Cornelisse played a pivotal role in Fenix’s rise to the WorldTour, particularly in supporting riders like Puck Pieterse and Pauliena Rooijakkers. His arrival, alongside Cherie Pridham, bolsters UAE’s directing experience as they continue to build a formidable squad. With a reportedly massive budget, are UAE Team ADQ poised to dominate?
Jayco AlUla & Liv AlUla Jayco: A New Direction
After parting ways with Matt White, Jayco AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco have taken a deliberate approach to their management restructuring. Gene Bates and Wim Stroetinga have been promoted to sporting managers for the men’s and women’s teams, respectively. Is promoting from within a smart move, or do these teams need an outsider’s perspective to break new ground?
The Future Directors: Who’s Next?
As riders retire, many are eyeing roles in team management. Ben Swift, Tim Declercq, Niki Terpstra, and others have completed the UCI DS exams, signaling potential post-racing careers. On the women’s side, Amanda Spratt and Sanne Cant have also obtained their licenses, raising questions about hybrid roles. Who will emerge as the next great director, and which teams will they transform?
Final Thoughts
The off-season staff changes are more than just administrative shuffles—they’re strategic moves that could define the next era of cycling. But here’s the question we leave you with: Are these teams building dynasties, or are they setting themselves up for failure? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take on this evolving landscape!
