Maybe. But the way those articles are worded, it sounds like it was a straight contract termination, not a buy-out or transfer.

It could be possible there's some sort of non-disclosure agreement for some time period, I guess, though.

what I don't understand is why DSM would want terms of the buy-out to be subject to a NDA. Right now, with how things are phrased, it makes DSM look like a patsy. Disgruntled rider wants to leave, and team grants his wishes. That would moot the whole purpose of a contract.

And it's not like DSM doesn't hold leverage in this. Were DSM not receptive to this, Hirschi would need to stay another year. Of course, Hirschi could tank his performance while still getting paid, but he's also tanking his own market value in the process.

Not just Hirschi-Bar but Kelderman and Michael Matthews Band too. That's a lot of talent.

Don't forget Dumoulin!

They've still got exciting talent with Jai Hindley, SKA, Michael Storer. And the incoming Bardet. But damn. I'd be curious to eventually learn what went on behind the scenes on this.

Contracts are like marriages. If someone really wants out, it's almost always futile to try to keep them. And why would you want to? You're not going to get any..........results.

Of course, it would be best to leave, but it doesn't mean people can just leave without paying a financial penalty (in the context of pro sport contracts).

I agree.

Yeah the issue with Sunweb/DSM is that a lot of riders seem to want out. If it happened once or twice, sure. But it's a clear pattern with that team. There's got to be some kind of toxic culture or dickhead staffers or something.

At the Tour they raced with a unity that seemed the culture issue had been resolved. Apparently not.