# Lotto and Soudal: A Historic Partnership in Belgian Cycling
Lotto and Soudal, the iconic duo of the Belgian WorldTour team, are set to extend their collaboration for one more year, concluding a successful partnership at the end of 2022. For the past eight seasons, these two sponsors have demonstrated unwavering support for the sport, with Lotto remaining steadfast as the primary backer of the team.
The Belgian National Lottery, widely recognized through its Lotto brand, has a rich history intertwined with cycling. Celebrating its first win as a cycling shirt sponsor on March 2, 1984, the National Lottery has only expanded its involvement in the sport over the years. Proudly supporting numerous cycling projects and renowned races throughout Belgium, Lotto also invests in initiatives for ladies, U23 teams, youth development programs, and events designed to engage fans more closely with cycling.
Meanwhile, Soudal, a family-owned enterprise renowned for its expertise in construction chemicals, has also cemented its position in cycling. Since they joined forces in 2015, Lotto and Soudal have built one of the longest-lasting partnerships in today’s cycling scene. Their combined effort has helped Lotto Soudal emerge as a name synonymous with sustainability and a long-term vision.
Both sponsors have concentrated their efforts on nurturing a blend of local talent, such as Tim Wellens and Tiesj Benoot, alongside international stars like André Greipel and Caleb Ewan. The collaboration has yielded remarkable success, celebrating a total of 157 victories since its inception.
Looking toward the future, the focus remains on achieving exceptional results in 2022. Both Lotto and Soudal hope to reap the fruits of their investments in promising young riders. However, come 2023, Soudal will transition away from its sponsorship role, while Lotto will continue to champion the team and the broader Belgian cycling community.
**Dirk Coorevits**, CEO of Soudal Group, reflected on the partnership’s significance: *“Cycling is the glue that brought both companies together in 2015…Together, we developed a clear vision in which we have given young talents every opportunity to step up towards the highest level.”*
**Jannie Haek**, CEO of Nationale Loterij/Loterie Nationale, also expressed pride in the collaboration: *“Lotto has been a constant factor for 37 years…We are happy that we can continue this until the end of 2022.”*
As the partnership approaches its conclusion, both sponsors anticipate a year filled with fruitful endeavors and unforgettable moments on the cycling front.
