'Merger' and 'Roglic' are temporarily forbidden words in the peloton: "We all know nothing about it"

The central figures in the two most significant cycling storylines at the moment don't seem to have a problem discussing them, but it's a different story for the rest of the peloton. The cycling world is eagerly awaiting news of a potential merger (or acquisition) between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal-Quick Step on one side, and the recently confirmed transfer of Primoz Roglic on the other.

In IDLProCycling.com the journey led to the Giro dell'Emilia on Saturday, where many riders took part who are either directly or indirectly linked to the possible changes. The first to address the matter was Roglic himself, who indicated both at the start and after the finish that he will be leaving Jumbo-Visma. This confirmed the rumors that have suggested the likes of INEOS Grenadiers and Lidl-Trek as potential destinations in the Roglic deal.

Interestingly, the Slovenian's possible transfer is not a topic of conversation within those teams, or they are adept at concealing it. "Well, I don't know, these are just rumors," chuckled Giulio Ciccone on behalf of Lidl-Trek after the finish at San Luca. Thymen Arensman had a similar reaction on behalf of INEOS before the start: "I don't have any information beyond what's been reported in the media and the rumors. I'm not really sure," he replied when asked about his thoughts on Roglic's potential move.

The news is still fresh at Jumbo-Visma, as Sam Oomen learned from this website that Roglic is leaving the team after this season. Interestingly, Oomen will be racing for Lidl-Trek next season. Could he potentially reunite with his current team leader there? When Roglic's statements are presented to him, Oomen seems somewhat taken aback. "Alright, alright, I have no knowledge of that, so I can't provide an answer at the moment," he responded. He preferred to focus on Roglic's victory at San Luca: "His win doesn't surprise me, but it's always impressive."

Read more below the photo.

Riders Jumbo-Visma and Soudal-Quick Step know nothing (yet) of merger plans

The potential merger between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal-Quick Step was another hot topic of discussion at the Giro dell'Emilia. With both key players present on the start list, IDLProCycling.com was there to investigate. Ilan Van Wilder from The Wolfpack echoed the sentiments of his teammate Yves Lampaert, stating, "I won't delve into that discussion because we are all in the dark. So, in my opinion, it's futile to discuss it."

Moments later, Matteo Jorgenson smiles when asked about the inevitable merger question. The American is transitioning from Movistar to Jumbo-Visma after this season, but he's unsure about the state of his new team when he joins them in December. "I have no idea what's going to happen; I haven't received any information," he admits candidly when asked if there has been any communication with him or the current roster of Jumbo-Visma.

In summary, the terms "merger" and "Roglic" are currently off-limits in the peloton. However, regarding the merger bomb, more and more details are emerging from the teams themselves. For instance, Patrick Lefevere of Quick Step mentioned specific agreements in a column on Saturday. On the other hand, Richard Plugge, the director of Jumbo-Visma, officially bid farewell to Roglic in a press release.