Maxim Van Gils for hilly classics and stages, Lennert Van Eetvelt for GC - young Lotto Dstny stars "complement each other perfectly"

Maxim Van Gils was one of the best riders of this hilly classics season and that's why there's no wonder some wonder whether, being such good climber, Van Gils could possibly challenge Grand tours in the future. However Lotto Dstny sports director Kurt Van de Wouwer thinks this role would suit his teammate Lennert Van Eetvelt far better.

"Based on his results last year, we knew that Maxim was capable of this," Van de Wouwer told Sporza about his Eschborn-Frankfurt sprint victory. "But what is striking is that he almost never has a bad day. He is very consistent."

Van Gils proved several times to be an excellent climber. The logical next question is: can he do it at Grand tours? "I think Maxim is more of a rider for one-day work, although he must also be able to ride for GC in week-long stage races."

"Lennert Van Eetvelt should be able to ride for general classifications in those Grand tours. In that respect, they complement each other perfectly," Van de Wouwer points out.

Van Gils is already assured of his place in the Lotto-Dstny Tour team. Last year he came 2nd at Le Grand Colombier. "He now also goes as a stage hunter. He is given complete freedom to choose his stages."