# Florian Vermeersch Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Lotto Soudal
Lotto Soudal has successfully secured the future of rising star Florian Vermeersch by extending his contract until the end of 2024. The agreement was finalized during the team’s training camp in Costa Blanca, Spain, ensuring that the promising 22-year-old Belgian will continue to don the Lotto Soudal jersey for at least two more years. Vermeersch, who joined the professional scene in mid-2020 from the team’s Development program, has quickly become a key figure within the squad.
“This contract extension gives me a lot of confidence towards the future,” Vermeersch stated. “We share the same vision and it is nice to be part of an ambitious project in which a lot of youngsters can develop within a professional environment. I strongly believe in the quality and the build of a Classics team that can play a role in the most important races. As a 22-year-old in a WorldTour team, you don’t always get the chance to immediately prove yourself. I’m really happy that I can discover my main strengths at Lotto Soudal, where I stepped up from the Development team. Apart from the confidence, it also creates a kind of family feeling. Through the years, you really bond with both the staff and riders, which was also an important factor towards a prolonged stay with the team.”
Lotto Soudal’s General Manager, John Lelangue, expressed enthusiasm about Vermeersch’s commitment: “Florian will be an important part of our Classics team and that is why we are really happy that he strongly believes in our project. It’s nice to see which path Florian has already taken with the Lotto Soudal Development team and we are looking forward to what the coming years will bring. We will therefore continue to invest in the development of our young talents into the winners of tomorrow.”
Reflecting on his recent performances, Vermeersch noted, “Due to bad luck and crashes, the spring Classics didn’t bring what I expected of them. After a period of rest, things went much better and of course that second place at Paris-Roubaix was the apotheosis of a successful season. Next year, my focus will not only be on the Classics, I also want to improve my time trial skills. I think those two can be perfectly combined. And with a strong sprint, I have an additional weapon for the Classics. First and foremost, I hope to start the Classics next year in good shape and I want to show myself in the final.”
This contract extension not only strengthens Lotto Soudal’s lineup but also highlights the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent for future success. Vermeersch’s journey ahead promises excitement for cycling fans and supporters of Lotto Soudal alike.
*Image: Facepeeters.*
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