# Jarne Van de Paar Turns Professional with Lotto Dstny, Eyes Flemish Classics
With the announcement of Jarne Van de Paar’s transition to the professional cycling ranks at Lotto Dstny, cycling fans are keen to see how the current Belgian U23 champion will fare in the WorldTour. At just 21 years of age, Van de Paar has inked a three-year contract that commits him to the development structure for 2023, before fully joining the professional roster in 2024.
Recently adorned with the Belgian tricolor jersey in Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Van de Paar has had an impressive run throughout his four years in the Lotto Soudal Development Team, bolstered by support from the Lotto Cycling Talent Project. He expressed his excitement for the future, stating, “*I am very happy to be able to stay with this team even longer. I am at home here, and I know everyone very well*.”
Van de Paar’s familiarity with teammates such as Florian Vermeersch, Arnaud De Lie, and Maxim Van Gils, who have also risen through the ranks, brings an element of camaraderie as he prepares for the challenges ahead. “*If you spend four years at the Development Team, you get to know a lot of riders you will later meet again at the pros*,” he added.
Team manager Kurt Van de Wouwer highlighted Van de Paar’s potential as a sprinter in the Flemish semi-Classics, remarking, “*Not all past four years have been easy for him. There were the COVID years and personal setbacks, including a long knee injury this year. But every year he secured a couple of wins. He has shown that he has potential as a sprinter.*”
In an exciting development for the Lotto Dstny team, the Development Team will compete at the UCI continental level in 2023, allowing riders to participate in ProSeries and .1 races alongside the professional team. John Lelangue, the CEO, explained, “*We have made the decision to keep Jarne Van de Paar in the Development Team for an extra year, so the transition is more gradual. It’s important for him to compete for victory at a lower level and to be a mentor for younger riders.*”
Looking forward to his full-time entry into the WorldTour, Van de Paar expressed gratitude for the structured progression, saying, “*I am very thankful for the possibility to plan such a specific trajectory for my future. It shows the confidence the team has in me. I am going to do everything I can to repay the trust.*”
As he embarks on this new chapter, fans and teammates alike are eager to follow Jarne Van de Paar’s journey as he builds on his achievements and carves out a name for himself in the world of professional cycling.
