Lotto Soudal has announced the contract extension of 22-year-old cyclist Maxim Van Gils for an additional two years, ensuring his stay with the team until the end of 2024. Van Gils, the winner of the Saudi Tour, expressed his excitement about continuing his career at Lotto Soudal, stating, “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 has been with Lotto Soudal since 2018, having originally joined through the Lotto Soudal Development Team. His time with the team has been marked by consistent progress and support. Van Gils acknowledges this, saying, “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.”
Van Gils’ recent success in securing stage and overall victories in the Saudi Tour, as well as his notable performances in renowned races such as Clásica San Sebastián, Milano-Sanremo, and the Amstel Gold Race, played a pivotal role in the decision to extend his contract. The CEO of Lotto Soudal, John Lelangue, expressed confidence in the young rider, stating, “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 the pro level. We believe that we will be able to guide Maxim Van Gils step by step to an even higher level.”
Looking ahead, Van Gils aims to focus on improving his performance in one-day races on hilly terrain and one-week stage races. He also hopes to make an impact in grand tours by participating in breakaways and contending for stage victories. Van Gils mentioned his sprinting abilities and the desire to utilize them more frequently in races.
The team has high hopes for Van Gils, with Lelangue emphasizing their belief in his potential. “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.”
