Cyclo-cross team manager Sven Nys faces a search for new financial backers after Het Poetsbureau and Glowi decided to withdraw, HLN reported.
The team has competed under the official name Baloise Verzekeringen – Het Poetsbureau Lions since January 1, 2026. Both exiting companies belong to the same corporate group, with cleaning agency Het Poetsbureau having taken over the naming rights from employment agency Glowi at the start of the year.
Contract Closes Early
The departure comes as a surprise to the team management, as the exact duration of the sponsorship agreement was never publicly disclosed. Nys explained that the original paperwork included a specific escape clause for the corporate partners.
“Het contract bevatte een ingebouwde clausule die hen de keuze liet om er elk jaar te kunnen uitstappen,” Sven Nys said, according to Nieuwsblad. “Die optie werd nu gelicht.”
The precise reasons behind the sudden termination remain undisclosed by the parties involved.
Winter Market Pressures
Securing replacement backing mid-season presents a difficult challenge for the management team. Cycling squads operating in the winter discipline face a tighter market compared to their counterparts on the road.
“Op een voor ons moeilijker moment dan voor een wegteam,” Nys told Nieuwsblad, citing the timing constraints of contracts running through the winter calendar.”
Insurance firm Baloise will maintain its long-standing commitment to the formation. The company previously reaffirmed its backing when the Flemish government withdrew support from the Flanders-Baloise road setup.
Team Operations Continue
Sporting operations remain at the top level of the sport, anchored by current European champion Thibau Nys and world champion Lucinda Brand. Pim Ronhaar and Annemarie Worst also stay with the squad, though Shirin van Anrooij is transferring to Canyon//SRAM.
Replacement apparel partners are already secured to fill the kit vacancies for the upcoming calendar. Nys insisted that the future of the organization is secure despite the loss of the primary name sponsors.
“We zijn zeker niet ten dode opgeschreven,” Nys guaranteed to Nieuwsblad, adding that planning is already underway for the 2027-2028 winter schedule.”
Cyclo-Cross Sponsor Questions
Why did Het Poetsbureau leave the team?
The corporate partners exercised an exit clause built into their sponsorship agreement, allowing them to step away at the conclusion of the calendar year, Nieuwsblad reported.
Who remains as a team sponsor?
Baloise Verzekeringen will continue its financial support of the cyclo-cross formation, having maintained its partnership through previous sponsor transitions.
When will new team outfits appear?
The management team has finalized replacement jersey sponsors for the period following the new year, with official announcements expected in the coming weeks.
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