Breakaway specialist Taco van der Hoorn seems to be set for two more years with Intermarché - Wanty after successful comeback from injury

Taco van der Hoorn had only limited amount of time to prove himself worthy of a professional contract after more than a year out of competition due to a concussion. The 31-year-old Dutchman did the best possible to convince Intermarché - Wanty that he deserves another chance by winning Elfstedenrace on just his thirteenth race day after return. Now it seems like the popular Taco secured a stay in WorldTour for another two seasons.

The Belgian team, whose colours Van der Hoorn wears since 2021, wanted to wait and see if the Dutchman would return to his level. They had already seen that before and so the talks were started to extend his contract. His victory in Elfstedenrace aroused the interest of other teams, but eventually Van der Hoorn and Intermarché - Wanty found each other in a two-year contract, WielerFlits informs.

Next spring, the Dutchman should normally return to the cobbled classics. There he can look back at some great results such as a 4th place at last year's Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne and modest 16th place at Paris-Roubaix in 2022. If in shape, Van der Hoorn should be one of the spearheads of his team alongside Eritrean Biniam Girmay.

Van der Hoorn is also invaluable to the team thanks to his experience and popularity in the team bus. Head coach Aike Visbeek told WielerFlits the following about Van der Hoorn in 2021: "Taco does a lot of things that are very well thought out. That works here. He has certain specialities and is very professional in his field. On the bus, he is a source of stimulation, other riders with us learn from Taco."