Lotto Soudal does not want to let De Gendt escape

Thomas De Gendt has extended his contract at Lotto Soudal with 2 years. The breakaway king will continue to share his experience with the young and talented Belgian WorldTour squad. “I am very curious for the evolution of the team in the coming years and very happy to be a part of that.”

De Gendt is, with his 8 years of service, one of the most experienced riders of the Lotto Soudal team. He has developed himself into an attacker and stage hunter, with stage wins in all grand tours over the years. “Thomas De Gendt in the breakaway in a Lotto Soudal jersey: that is a familiar sight for every cycling fan”, says Lotto Soudal CEO John Lelangue. “Although we all know him as someone who jokes around and never gives up, last season has not been easy for him. Therefore, I am very happy to see his strong comeback this year. First of all, he has worked very hard for the team every time we needed him. But with his stage win in the Giro has proven once again what everybody already knew: with Thomas De Gendt you are never done.”

Just as Lelangue, De Gendt is very satisfied with his prolonged stay at the team. “In this team I have been able to become the rider that I always wanted to be: an attacker”, says De Gendt. “The past 8 years have been a success for the most part of it, with beautiful victories and great memories. I am looking forward to adding another 2 years.”

De Gendt is full of ambition about his own future and that of the team. “I am very curious for the evolution of the team in the following years, with young talents as Maxim Van Gils or Arnaud De Lie and also the new cosponsor coming on board. Although it will become harder and harder for me, my goal still remains to win races. Next to that, I hope to help the team whenever I can.”

Image: Photo News.