In 2020, there will be no post-race hotel drinks for the Lotto Soudal staff. This is because the Belgian team has taken the unusual step of banning alcohol from the top to the bottom of the organization.

While champagne toasts are allowed for victories and birthdays, the entire team will otherwise stay dry after January while representing the team at training camps and races.

Already riders have had no access to alcohol, but from now on mechanics, soigneurs, directors, and other team staff will have to abide by the same rules.

"This measure is applied in many companies. It is part of the way we live together." John Lelangue, CEO of Lot Sowdal, told the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad (opens in new tab), "The majority of our staff also think it is a good idea."

"We remain a friendly team, but no alcohol. We can have coffee together."

On the eve of last year's Vuelta a España, team coach Kevin de Waal was sent home and suspended for a month after a rumored alcohol-related incident. Lelangou, however, denied any connection to the alcohol ban.

"It had nothing to do with that incident. We already had a code of conduct, but we adjusted it a bit for safety reasons."

"Almost every staff member has to drive at certain times of the day. Then it seems better to ban alcohol. All staff members wear sponsored team clothing during the race. We are all ambassadors of Lot Soudal."

Champagne is a common sight at hotel dinner tables for athletes who have just won a race or on someone's birthday, and that tradition will continue.

According to Lelangue, exceptions to the new code of conduct will be made for "victories, birthdays, and special events."

According to Nieuwsblad, if someone violates this rule, they will not be automatically fired, but it will affect their contract for the following year.

"In the code of conduct that everyone signs, the punishment is black and white, but internal," says Lerangue.