Key move ahead of next spring: Van der Poel's team gets a boost with double contract extensions and promotion for young riders

Oscar Riesebeek and Silvan Dillier had contracts expiring with Alpecin-Deceuninck, but the team has extended them by two years: both riders will remain with the Roodhooft brothers' team until 2027. "I am really happy to extend my contract," said the 32-year-old Dutchman on the team's website. "It feels like a second family here. I am proud te be part of such a committed group, and it is an honor to help the team shine in the biggest races." Riesebeek joined from Roompot - Charles in 2020 and has been an essential part of the team ever since. In 2021, he finished second in a stage of the Giro d'Italia.

Swiss rider Dillier joined the team a year after Riesebeek and is one of the most experienced men in the squad. The former Swiss champion is known for his tireless work at the front of the race in the early stages: in Milan-Sanremo, for example, he rode almost 200 kilometers at the head of the peloton. "After five years, this team feels like a second family," says 34-year-old Dillier, who shares Riesebeek's sentiments. "And it is an honor to support our leaders on their way to big victories. Continuing this journey means a lot to me."

In addition to extending the contracts of the two veterans, Alpecin-Deceuninck has given Lennert Belmans and Aaron Dockx professional contracts with the main team. The 23-year-old Belmans has competed for the elite team numerous times in the spring, including the Scheldeprijs and the Star of Bessèges. "I am very happy to make the move to the WorldTeam and continue to develop in a trusted environment," he said. "My goal for the next two years is to become a valuable member of the team and continue to grow as a rider and as a person."

Dockx, who is three years younger, is considered a promising talent in cyclo-cross, but he has also shown his qualities on the road, particularly in the U23 circuit. Last year, he won a stage in the Oberösterreich Runfahrt. "I am super happy to make the switch tot de WorldTeam," says the 20-year-old Belgian. "It feels like my childhood dream is coming true. I look forward to continuing to work in this environment with perfect support and let’s see what the future brings."