Madis Mihkels set to become Alpecin's second sprinter

Alpecin‑Premier Tech, a Belgian squad that usually relies on its own development programme, is reportedly close to signing 23‑year‑old Estonian sprinter Madis Mihkels on a two‑year contract. The move would see him take over the role of secondary sprinter from Kaden Groves, who is heading to Tudor Pro Cycling, and could be contested by the anticipated arrival of former Giro d’Italia stage winner Casper van Uden in 2027.

Mihkels, a former Estonian champion, has three professional victories, multiple top‑10 sprint finishes in Grand Tours, a top‑10 at the 2024 Paris‑Roubaix, and a European junior bronze medal. His junior season was disrupted by Covid, limiting him to ten UCI starts in 2021. After stints with Intermarché‑Wanty (where he turned pro in 2023) and EF Education‑EasyPost – where his best results were a podium at Classic Brugge‑De Panne and a national title – he will join a team whose tactics are strongly sprint‑oriented.