# Maxim Van Gils Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Lotto Soudal
Maxim Van Gils, the promising 22-year-old cyclist and winner of the Saudi Tour, has officially extended his contract with Lotto Soudal until the end of 2024. “I think I still have a large growth margin and I can’t imagine a better place than here to continue my development,” Van Gils remarked.
Having joined Lotto Soudal in 2018, Van Gils transitioned from the Lotto Soudal Development Team to the WorldTour level, showcasing impressive growth throughout his tenure. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received, saying, “During all those years in the team, first in the U23’s, later in the WorldTour, I was always able to progress. The team has always believed in me and helped me to further develop myself. The atmosphere in this team is great, both amongst riders and staff. I feel at home here.”
His recent victories, including stage and overall wins at the Saudi Tour, mark significant milestones in his burgeoning career. Alongside these achievements, he has also made a name for himself in esteemed Classics such as the Clásica San Sebastián, Milano-Sanremo, and the Amstel Gold Race. Given his results and professional demeanor, Lotto Soudal was keen to secure Van Gils’ future with the team.
CEO John Lelangue commented, “Young, talented, Belgian riders like Maxim Van Gils belong at Lotto Soudal. He has already shown at his young age that he is capable of winning races at pro level. That first victory is an important step in the career of any rider. We believe that we will be able to guide Maxim Van Gils step by step to an even higher level.” Echoing Lelangue’s thoughts, Van Gils stated, “I think I still have a lot of growth margin and I can’t imagine a better place than here to continue my development.”
Looking ahead, Van Gils is eager to refine his skills in challenging one-day races and week-long stage competitions. “I would like to improve on my current strong points,” he mentioned. “I want to compete for the victory in difficult one-day races and see how far I can go in shorter stage races. Also, in the grand tours, I hope to be able to go for breakaways and fight for stage victories. I have a good sprint and want to put myself in situations where I can use it more often.”
Concluding with confidence in Van Gils’ potential, Lelangue remarked, “We have great confidence in the qualities and potential of Maxim Van Gils. He fits perfectly within our team and the plans we have for the future. Together with him, we look towards that future with great enthusiasm.”
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*Images: Photo News.*
