When then 26-year-old
Dries Van Gestel joined
TotalEnergies in 2021 after having previously raced for Lotto U23 and subsequently Team Flanders - Baloise, it was just one of many transfers, definitely not one that stood out. However in the four seasons in France, Van Gestel managed to step out of his shadow and find a name for himself in the Classics with Gent-Wevelgem 2022 podium an absolute highlight.
Big teams picked up on his performances and for 2025, the Belgian rider returns to a Belgian team. Although Soudal - Quick-Step is definitely a next level compared to Van Gestel's previous employers. Naturally, at TotalEnergies they'd feel a bit sentimental about having the rider who has grown so much in their colours leave. But there won't be place for a big farewell party as injuries from Muur Classic Geraardsbergen (1.1) in late August prevented Van Gestel to put on TotalEnergies jersey again.
