Amidst many rumoured departures, Lotto Dstny recruit a promising Belgian all-rounder

Despite missing a major result in his first year as a pro, Lars Craps' consistent all-round performances convinced Lotto Dstny to offer the 23-year-old all-rounder a contract through 2026.

"I’m super excited to take this new step in my cycling career," says Lars Craps in a press release. "Lotto Dstny has become one of the most attractive teams in the bunch over the past years and to now become part of this team on a young age makes me proud. I feel like I broke through this year, in my first pro season. I rode a top five in the last stage of the Tour of Norway and in the classics and climbing courses I could compete against the better riders. I’m satisfied about my season, it also shows why I take on this new challenge."

"I have a big engine and the longer races suit me, I felt quite fresh in the finals and that’s why I handled my first pro year well. I enjoyed it and I’m also very happy with the support and chance I got of Team Flanders - Baloise. I still need to find out where my speciality lays, but I want to focus on the climbing and smaller stage races, without losing sight of the classics as I also really like to ride those."

Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Dstny, is very glad to welcome a new young talent in the team: "Lars showed himself in the finals of several races on high level. In his first year as a pro he rode a lot of different races to gain experience, from classics to stage races. It’s clear he is a rider with several strengths, who can work in function of the team but can also get his own chance whenever the opportunity is there. We are very happy having Lars in the team from next year and we will help him as much as possible to develop further."