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.
"Thank you, Dries," begins the X post by TotalEnergies. The French team then goes on to inform that the Belgian won't compete in their colours anymore as an injury puts an end to his season. "A fracture of the scaphoid puts an end to his season, also ending his adventure with Team TotalEnergies after five great years."
𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘂 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 Saison terminée pour notre Flandrien Dries Van Gestel. 🇧🇪 Une fracture du scaphoïde met un terme à sa saison, clôturant également son aventure avec le Team TotalEnergies après cinq belles années. 🙌 Merci pour tout @VgDries 🤝 #AllezTotalEnergies
