Girmay expects to be included in the merged Lotto-Intermarché lineup, but he's not yet fully committed
Biniam Girmay is among the many WorldTour pros uncertain of their future amidst the merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty. For months, Girmay himself has been connected with Israel-Premier Tech in its new guise as a Canadian WorldTeam, but nothing has been confirmed. It now transpires that the new merged WorldTeam might be hoping to keep him around, and yet Girmay is still weighing up his options.
"Obviously, it's not the right time to speak because we don't decide personally. Of course, the merger is already happening, and tomorrow they will announce the guys who will personally stay," Girmay told media at a presentation event for the ASO's Singapore Criterium. "Before, I was 50-50 if I stay or not; now I'm almost quite sure I will not stay."
The Eritrean echoed some of the discontent shared by a number of Intermarché teammates who have raised concerns over the communication – or lack thereof – about the ongoing merger negotiations, something that has factored into Girmay's second thoughts about sticking around with the new team.
"We are still talking with some good teams, but it's just talk because I cannot do anything without knowing what my team [are doing] and also without knowing if I am free or not. Nothing is done yet, nothing is on paper."
