Caleb Ewan 'has the choice' if wants to stay at Lotto-Dstny, says team boss

According to the Lotto-Dstny team boss, Caleb Ewan still has a decision to make as to whether he returns to the Belgian team after abandoning the Tour de France in July.

Ewan left the Tour mid-way through and was quickly criticised by team boss Stéphane Heulot, who told the Dutch publication WielerFlits: “If he can become happy with another team, we will grant him that.”

There appears to still be a rift between rider and team, with both parties informing GCN that no reconciliation has been reached at this point, and Heulot expressing his belief that the Ewan is currently looking for a new team.

Ewan still has a contract with Lotto-Dstny until the end of 2024 and it’s unlikely that the team can end the relationship without the rider’s consent. However, Ewan can leave if he wishes since the team dropped out of the WorldTour at the start of the year - thus making his current contract potentially void.

The reality, though, is that Ewan may struggle to find a team willing or able to match his current salary at Lotto-Dstny. He has struggled for wins this year, taking two victories. That said, he has still racked up eight top-three results, and not all of his near-misses can be blamed on his sprinting.

Ewan was meant to return to racing at the BEMER Cyclassics last weekend and the following Deutschland Tour. However, his team confirmed last weekend that, with Ewan’s wife expecting the couples’ third child, he would be out of action for the time being.

There are no current races on the Australian’s calendar and the question must be asked as to whether he will ever race for Lotto-Dstny again.

GCN approached Ewan’s agent for comment. Based in Australia, Jason Bakker confirmed that he and the team management were looking at various options - from staying with the team to a mutual separation.

“There’s no change. I think both parties are open to various options as long as they work mutually,” Bakker told GCN.

“As a result, we’re not taking a panicked approach to any decisions. I honestly believe Caleb and Lotto can reset if that’s what has to occur but if there is a better scenario for the parties then we’ll explore that too.”

The team have certainly dialled down their public approach to the situation since the pressure cooker atmosphere at the Tour de France. However, when contacted by GCN, Heulot made it clear that Ewan was still free to decide his future, with an indication that the team would not try and stop a possible departure.

“Sincerely, he has the choice to decide. I didn’t receive more info at this time from his agent. I assume they search for a team,” he told us.

With homegrown talent Arnaud de Lie committing his future to the team until the end of 2026, it looks from the outside as though Lotto are ready to move on from Ewan. However, as Heulot rightly says, the decision for the time being is all on Ewan.