Belgian was fifth on Champs Elysées in 2012 Tour: “I have fast legs and I want to further develop that asset”
After a number of recent signings, Kris Boeckmans is the latest rider to sign up with the Lotto Belisol team, with the fast finisher moving across to the squad on a two year contract.
Currently racing with the Vacansoleil DCM team, he believes changing teams will help bring him forward as a pro rider.
Boeckmans previously raced on the Lotto espoir team and so the move is a homecoming of sorts for him.
“I’m very satisfied with my transfer to Lotto Belisol, this will certainly give a boost to my career,” the 26 year old said. “There is trust on both sides. The Belgian atmosphere is appealing. I’ll be part of a team that is active in the peloton already for many years. I’ll meet Kurt Van de Wouwer again, I know him from my time in the U23 team.”
A former European Under 23 road race champion, Boeckmans turned pro in 2010 with a two year deal with the Topsport Vlaanderen team. He then moved to Vacansoleil DCM last season and picked up three top ten finishes in his debut Tour de France, including fifth on the Champs Elysées.
He was also second in Le Samyn and Nokere Koerse, showing a strength that should stand to him in future Classics. This season, he repeated that runner-up slot in Le Samyn and was sixth in Halle Ingooigem. His second Tour de France saw him finish tenth on the opening stage.
“I have fast legs and I want to further develop that asset within Lotto Belisol,” he said. “This choice is the right one for that. To begin the Classic season will be important next year, I look forward to Milan – Sanremo.”
General manager Marc Sergeant believes his progress slowed slightly in 2013 and is intent on helping him pick it up again. “This year he was less in the picture, partly because of the very heavy programme that was imposed on him,” he said. “I think we can make an even better rider of him, also because of an optimal support through Energy Lab, a good programme and a Belgian team where he definitely will feel at home.”
Lotto Belisol yesterday announced the signature of the current European champion, Sean De Bie.
The Vacansoleil DCM team has thus far been unable to find a replacement sponsor and its future is uncertain.