# Lotto Soudal Welcomes South African Champion Janse van Rensburg and Veteran Barbero to the Team
Belgian WorldTour team Lotto Soudal has announced the signing of South African champion Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and experienced Spanish rider Carlos Barbero for the remainder of the season. This strategic addition aims to bolster the team’s depth and bring in much-needed experience.
Starting from May 1, both Janse van Rensburg and Barbero will don the Lotto Soudal jersey after remaining teamless since the beginning of the year. Despite the challenges, they continued to train diligently, with Janse van Rensburg even claiming the title of national road champion of South Africa in February.
“I am very happy with this opportunity,” Janse van Rensburg stated. “After last season, I have prepared myself as I have always done, even though I did not have a team. Of course, sometimes it was difficult to keep making all the sacrifices without knowing if I would be able to race at the highest level. But luckily, all those sacrifices are rewarded now. I am very motivated to make something good out of this. A period like I have had just now makes you value the life of a pro cyclist even more.”
The eager rider is set to contribute immediately to Lotto Soudal, expressing confidence in his readiness. “I am physically and mentally completely race-ready and I am looking forward to competing again,” he added. “Lotto Soudal is a team full of youngsters which I have always followed with great admiration. I hope to make my experience of good use with the younger riders, while also getting some results myself.”
Carlos Barbero, who maintained his training regimen despite his former team’s dissolution last year, has also expressed his excitement and commitment. “You have to keep believing,” said Barbero. “And so I have always done, even though it was difficult at times. I am ready to prove straight away that I am worth this opportunity. Both by sharing my experience and in getting my own results.”
Barbero reflected on the impressive history of Lotto Soudal, stating, “The history of this team is impressive. With Valls, Pujol, and Reynes, there were even some other Spaniards here as well. I am looking forward to being a part of this beautiful team myself.”
Lotto Soudal CEO John Lelangue highlighted the necessity of reinforcing the squad due to recent health issues affecting team members. “Just like every team this year, we have had a lot of sicknesses,” he explained. “Therefore, we were not able to get a complete squad at the start of every race. Also, with Kamil Malecki and Jarrad Drizners, we have two riders who will be out with injuries for a long time. We had to reinforce our team to be able to do the racing program we have planned.”
With the inclusion of Janse van Rensburg and Barbero, Lelangue believes the team has found the ideal additions. “They are experienced, race-ready, and very motivated. We will give them a chance until the end of the season and believe that they will fit in this team very well. They are grateful for the chance they are given and I am sure that they will prove their value for our young team.”
