# Liam Slock Joins Lotto Dstny as He Turns Professional
U23 cyclist Liam Slock is set to elevate his career by moving up from the Lotto Soudal Development Team to the WorldTour team, newly named Lotto Dstny, for the upcoming season. The 21-year-old from Lochristi, Belgium, has secured a two-year contract, marking a significant milestone in his cycling journey. “I could not have wished for a better education than at the Lotto Soudal Development Team,” Slock expressed.
Having spent two years on the Development Team, Slock has proven himself as a valuable asset. Team manager Kurt Van de Wouwer stated, “He has proven himself as a real team player during this period. He is a typical baroudeur with an all-round profile.” Slock’s impressive record for the current year includes victories at both the Grand Prix Color Code and the first stage of the Triptique Ardennais, showcasing his offensive racing style.
Reflecting on his leap into professional cycling, Slock said, “The last two years I have done everything I can to be able to turn pro. The results were there from the beginning of the season. I was very happy when I got the call from Kurt Van de Wouwer, telling me I was getting the chance with the pros.”
Currently, Slock is recovering from Lyme disease, but he remains optimistic. “Now that I am sure to turn pro next year, it gives me the time and mental rest necessary to recover. I am very grateful for the confidence from the team,” he noted. This season, he aims for strong results in the U23 category while focusing on being fit for the professional circuit.
Looking ahead, Slock is anticipated to contribute to breakaways, whether supporting teammates like Caleb Ewan or Arnaud De Lie or pursuing victories himself. CEO John Lelangue praised Slock, saying, “Liam Slock is a down-to-earth guy who has proven to be able to use his strengths at the service of others when necessary.” He added, “The tests we do with all our riders show that physically he is more than ready to step up. Those physical capacities combined with his sense of duty and team spirit make him a valuable asset to our team for the years to come.”
Liam Slock will be the second U23 rider to advance from Lotto Soudal’s Development Team, following Lennert Van Eetvelt. With the 2023 Lotto Dstny roster featuring 11 riders with backgrounds in the Development Team, Slock remarked, “The Development Team benefits hugely from the knowledge and experience within the WorldTour team. The staff, training, equipment, and racing program: all meticulously planned as with the pros.” He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I could not have wished for a better education.”
