Four year deal for Belgian who feels comfortable on home team
As speculated earlier this year, Jurgen van Den Broeck will join the new cycling team sponsored by the Belgian National Lottery. The news was confirmed by the Belgian’s manager, Jef Van den Bosch on the eve of the Vuelta a España.
“Lotto will make every effort to surround him with a strong team. We believe that this is a beautiful project,” he stated.
“It was not an easy decision, but we have looked at the various environments in which he would end up. Much has been said about the contract, but there is no lump-sum payment. To me it is important that a rider feels good around him. I also think that a team wants a rider who is motivated.”
Van Den Broeck will start the Vuelta today and is looking for redemption after a disappointing Tour de France which saw the 28 year old leave the race in an ambulance. The race will also be the last Grand Tour for the Omega Pharma-Lotto team.
The Lottery is currently a co-sponsor to the squad but earlier this year, the two companies confirmed they would go their separate ways. Omega Pharma will amalgamate with fellow Belgian squad Quick Step, while Lotto will start its own team. There has been speculation in recent weeks that the team will be known as Lotto-Ridley, but this is however yet to be confirmed.
“What the Lotto project will look like will be revealed in the next few weeks. But I think it makes sense that guys like Jelle Vanendert will be there,” Van den Bosch commented.
Andre Greipel is also expected to move to the Lotto side of the split and is likely to be joined by former teammate Greg Henderson from Sky Procycling.