Quinten Hermans set to extend with Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux

Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux have talked of the difficulties of keeping all it's riders amidst what is so far being a very impressive season, however after securing Biniam Girmay, they are reported to be very close to renewing with Quinten Hermans for the coming seasons.

It was in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws that Jean-François Bourleart, team manager, revelaed the advanced negotiations with the Belgian. "It looks good. The conversations are no longer about the dire competition from other teams, but rather about the classic dots and commas. Of course, finances play a role. But Quinten received a nice proposal from us. He himself is very satisfied and would like to stay," he said.

The cyclocross headliner has, like many of his rivals over the last few years, made a transition to the road where he has surprised the cycling world with a second place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Not only was it an impressive result in terms of the race's brutal nature, but also a testimony that the 26-year is capable of riding with the very best in the world on punchy races.

“It is of course indisputable that we would like to continue working with Quinten, because we are convinced that he can still make great strides and that our team is the best match for his development," team performance manager Aike Visbeek said. Hermans will be riding the Tour de France after a set of preparation races in Belgium this summer, where he should be in contention for the hilly stages.