De Gendt extends with Lotto-Soudal
Thomas De Gendt will ride on with Lotto-Soudal for a further two seasons, his team announced Tuesday. The 33-year-old Belgian has signed a contract extension that will take him through the 2022 season, which will mark his eighth year with the squad.
“Lotto Soudal knows me and gives me the freedom I need, a freedom that I would never get somewhere else,” De Gendt said in a press release. “In the past, we have won many nice races together. I am convinced that together we still have nice years ahead of us.”
De Gendt has been with the Belgian WorldTour team since 2015, coming aboard following one season with the Quick-Step organization after the Vacansoleil-DCM team folded. After first breaking through with a GC podium at the 2012 Giro d’Italia, he has carved out a niche as one of the premier breakaway riders in the professional peloton.
De Gendt counts stage wins at all three Grand Tours on his career palmares, as well as a mountains classification win at the Vuelta a España.
“He can win races but is a perfect team player as well,” Lotto-Soudal general manager John Lelangue said of De Gendt.
“This contract extension is good for the stability and continuity of the team. Thomas understands that Lotto Soudal really has a vision. Moreover, he has been so successful and loyal to the team. We need him. With Thomas we continue to build on the team’s future. More agreements will be announced soon.”
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