Climbers Steff Cras and Matthew Holmes have agreed to extend their contracts with Lotto Soudal for another season. The 25-year-old Belgian and 27-year-old Brit will continue their tenure with the Belgian cycling team and enter their third season.
Steff Cras, who has been with the team for two seasons, is determined to bounce back after setbacks in previous years. He expressed his satisfaction with the team, saying, “I really felt at home with the team the past two seasons. The future is looking bright with this young and talented group.”
Cras had faced challenges due to back problems at the Tour in 2020 and a Covid infection earlier this year. Looking ahead, Cras has set his sights on performing at full strength and achieving his goals. He said, “I want to focus again on riding a good GC in short stage races and winning a Grand Tour stage. Besides, I want to assist the team the best I can.”
Matthew Holmes also shared his excitement about continuing with Lotto Soudal. Reflecting on his first two seasons, he said, “It feels really nice to go into my third year with Lotto Soudal. After two seasons of getting to know everyone and making friends, Lotto Soudal really feels like ‘my’ team.”
Holmes had a successful debut season, winning the queen stage to Willunga Hill at the Tour Down Under. He also showcased his climbing abilities in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. Looking forward, Holmes aims to target different breakaway opportunities in Grand Tours and other stage races.
Both Cras and Holmes are optimistic about the upcoming season and are confident in their abilities to contribute to the team’s success.
