Deceuninck has confirmed it will indeed step away from its title sponsorship of Alpecin-Deceuninck and Fenix-Deceuninck, but the window and door company will still keep a spot on the teams' jerseys in 2026.
The Belgian brand announced their intention to step down from title sponsorship in March, but as the team searched to find a new co-sponsor, there were rumours that Deceuninck would continue for another year if a replacement was not found.
However, on Thursday, the team announced that Deceuninck would indeed stop title sponsorship of the team, pointing towards the fact that the teams have now found a new title sponsor.
They are holding a press conference in Antwerp on Friday morning.
“We look back on the past four years with great pride. As a title sponsor we experienced many highlights and were part of a highly successful team in a global sport," said Deceuninck CEO Francis Van Eeckhout in a statement from the team.
"Ending our role as title sponsor was not an easy decision, but at the same time we are pleased to continue our collaboration as a jersey partner. We remain fans and loyal supporters of the team, and we look forward to what the future will bring."
Whilst Deceuninck's sponsorship is ending, the team confirmed on Thursday that Alpecin had extended their sponsorship of the team for another two years, with the option for a third.
"Alpecin has been an important part of our structure for many years, and we appreciate the trust they continue to place in us," team managers Philip and Christoph Roodhooft said.
"Their renewed commitment gives the organisation clarity and continuity, allowing us to plan ahead and keep strengthening our foundations. We value the relationship we have built together and are pleased to continue our cooperation."
WielerFlits have reported that Zwift have also extended their partnership with the team until the end of 2028, whilst bike brand Canyon are also continuing to supply the squad, and will sponsor Mathieu van der Poel until 2028.
All this points to the suggestion that, in the wake of Deceuninck's departure and some delay in confirming their future, the team do have another title sponsor lined up for 2026.
During the time of the Deceuninck title sponsorship of the men's and women's teams the squad said its riders had claimed 30 stage victories in Grand Tours, ten world titles across the disciplines of cyclocross, mountain bike, road, track and eRacing plus a hefty list of key one-day victories at events from Milan-San Remo to Paris Roubaix and La Flèche Wallonne.
Before joining Alpecin and Fenix as a title sponsor Deceuninck had been on board with the QuickStep team from 2019 until the end of 2021 so has had an involvement in top level cycling extending well beyond the four years. The withdrawal of its most recent title sponsorship comes as fellow Belgian teams, Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty, merge amid what is clearly a tough climate for cycling sponsorship in the nation and beyond. Lotto lost DSTNY as a sponsor at the end of last year and Circus disappearing from the Intermarché-Wanty squad in 2024.
The statement did not outline how long Deceuninck has committed to being a jersey sponsor for but expressed gratitude for its continued involvement even after deciding to relinquish its title position.
"Today’s message is not a farewell, it is a confirmation of a new chapter. Deceuninck has played an important role in our development over the past four years, and we are deeply grateful for their support," the Roodhoofts said in a statement.
"We are pleased that they will continue to be part of our structure as we move into the future," they added.
"With Deceuninck staying onboard, we hope to live more memorable moments together."
