Four names can be added to the list of riders who prolong their contract with Lotto Belisol. Gert Dockx stays two more years. Olivier Kaisen, Tosh Van der Sande and Jonas Van Genechten signed for one extra season. The 25-year-old Dockx, who rides for the team since 2011, took his first pro victory in the Tour of Gabon where he won stage three. Four days later he won the final stage as well. He fractured his elbow and collarbone in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Via the Tour of Turkey he was ready in time for the Giro.
For new dad Olivier Kaisen, a valued helper and man for the long break, it’s the eighth season in the Lotto team. That way Oli is the man who rides the longest for this team. The 30-year-old cyclist has now prolonged his stay with one more year. Just like tosh Van der Sande, who became pro at the team last year. At 22 he has just participated in his first Grand Tour: the Vuelta. Van der Sande is suited for an Ardennes course, in 2011 he won Liège – Bastogne – Liège U23. Next to that he also has fast legs. Then there is 27-year-old Jonas Van Genechten. It’s his second season in the team, which offered him his first pro contract. Van Genechten won his first race for Lotto Belisol this year, the Grand Prix Pino Cerami.