Contract extension for outsider in Giro sprints , as well as top domestiques in service of Pogacar, van der Poel, and Evenepoel, Intermarché's leader and Cofidis' Dutch rider

Adam Yates, Mikel Landa, Gerben Thijssen, and Jan Maas have extended their contracts with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Soudal-Quick Step, Intermarché-Wanty, and Cofidis, respectively. Contract extensions for four Giro riders were announced just days before the start of the Giro d'Italia. There was also good news for the Alpecin-Deceuninck team.

Oscar Riesebeek and Silvan Dillier's contracts with Alpecin-Deceuninck were expiring, 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 to 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. He will not compete there this year. The same goes for Swiss rider Dillier, who 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.

After Alpecin-Deceuninck, several other WorldTour teams announced new contracts on Wednesday. Adam Yates knows he will start the Giro with a new three-year contract in his pocket. The leader in Italy has emerged in recent years as Tadej Pogacar's top domestique and hopes to continue in that role. Felix Großschartner was also offered a new contract, although the Austrian climber's contract will run until the end of 2027.

For his part, Landa will stay with Soudal-Quick Step for another year. The experienced Spaniard also combines a role as lead rider with that of top domestique, in this case for Remco Evenepoel. In a press release, Landa expressed his satisfaction with the extra year: "I already have many beautiful memories, from my first outing for the team, when I helped Remco win Algarve to finishing runner-up in Catalunya and then supporting Remco at the Tour de France, where he concluded on the podium after a great team effort."

Other contract extensions? Cofidis announced new two-year contracts with Paul Ourselin and Jan Maas, while Ludovic Robeet signed on for another year. Intermarché-Wanty will retain Gerben Thijssen for the next two years, who we will see again as the Belgian team's sprint leader in the Giro.

The 28-year-old Matteo Moschetti has also extended his contract. One of this season's sprinting revelations, he has already demonstrated his speed on numerous occasions. The Milanese rider beat Dylan Groenewegen in the Alula Tour and twice in the Tour of Hellas. He also won the GP Criquielion.

"I am really happy I signed this new contract," Moschetti said on his team's website. "In the last weeks we talked about it and it’s always a decision you have to think about well. To be honest I didn’t have many doubts after this start of the season. This team is a good environment for me. They have trusted me since the beginning. After my crash last year, they were there for me and gave me all the time to come back. There was no stress. They were there in the bad times and they are here in the good times."

On the day his contract extension was announced, the Italian will start his third Giro d'Italia. In his two previous participations, his best result was fourth place. “The next two years are important years of my career. I am 28 now and a cycling career is not forever.’ Matteo said. “I want to keep getting better, grow and win races. With the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team I have a good project and good guys around me to achieve my goals. A stage win in the Giro would be great, but I don’t have to wait until the next two years. The fact we are in the Giro d’Italia shows how the team has grown. Everyone can see that. Our team has a good place in cycling, and I am super motivated to show our team colours in Italia. Andiamo!"