# Victor Campenaerts Joins Lotto Soudal for Three-Year Term
Victor Campenaerts has officially rejoined Lotto Soudal, signing a three-year contract that will see the Belgian cyclist don the team’s colors once more. At 29, Campenaerts returns to the team where he previously celebrated significant achievements, including being crowned Belgian and European time trial champion as well as setting a new World Hour Record. Eager to embark on this new chapter, Campenaerts expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming seasons.
“In the past, I was charmed by the many interested teams, but the interesting project and the clear ambitions of Lotto Soudal convinced me,” said Campenaerts. “I immediately noticed the confidence the team gave me, and of course, it’s also nice that I still know several riders and a lot of staff members. I am looking forward to contributing to the attractive style of racing at Lotto Soudal; it is really exciting!”
Campenaerts took a moment to reflect on his previous experience with Team Qhubeka. “It is more than a cycling team. The good cause that’s attached to the team – to give kids a better chance for education with bikes – is something that will be in my heart for my entire life.”
Lotto Soudal’s General Manager, John Lelangue, welcomed Campenaerts back into the fold. “With Victor Campenaerts, we strengthen our roster with a very complete rider. This season, he really impressed in both one-day Classics and stage races. His aggressive way of racing delivered some big results, like a stage win at the Giro and a third place overall at the Benelux Tour. Victor believes in the Lotto Soudal project and is a perfect match for the team.”
Having gained experience in the Classics last season, Campenaerts is eager for more. “I really fell in love with the spring Classics and I want to continue down this road. This means to race attractively but also obtain results. Those two things often go hand in hand because sometimes it’s possible to create a scenario from which you can win races.”
He also emphasized his commitment to mentoring the younger riders on the team. “If I notice just a small margin for improvement, I won’t hesitate to share my expertise. Besides, I want to be an important tutor for the young riders to sharpen their race audacity.”
While acknowledging a shift in focus from time trials to longer distances, Campenaerts is determined to enhance his endurance for the biggest Classics. “I realise that I won’t be able to compete for the win in let’s say the Ronde van Vlaanderen as I don’t have the distance in the legs just yet. That is why the main focus on training will be on improving my endurance.”
Lelangue echoed this sentiment, already looking ahead to next season. “Of course, it will be nice to have Victor back in the team. In 2019, we worked together on one of the most challenging projects within cycling as he set a new World Hour Record. Victor evolved into a real baroudeur, but there is no doubt that he will be an important part of our performance department as well.”
With Campenaerts back at Lotto Soudal, both the team and the rider are excited about what the future holds. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the possibilities seem endless.
