Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Carlos Barbero sign for Lotto Soudal

As of the 1st of May Lotto Soudal will welcome two new riders who have today been announced. After failing to get a contract for this season, former Qhubeka riders Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Carlos Barbero will be new members of the Belgian team.

Team CEO John Lelangue has talked about the thought behind these mid-season transfers: "Just like every team this year, we have had a lot of sicknesses. Therefore, we were not able to get a complete squad at the start of every race. Also, with Kamil Malecki and Jarrad Drizners we have two riders who will be out with injuries for a long time. We had to reinforce our team to be able to do the racing program we have planned."

The solution would be to bring in some new riders that would both fill the void left in some races by the team, but also help to bring in some much-needed UCI points in order for the team to fight for maintenance. The points of the two riders coming in will not add to the tally of the team as they were not under contract, something which would be particularly meaningful in the South African's case.

Rensburg became South African national champion and finished on the podium of the African team time-trial and road race events. He was left without a contract after Qhubeka NextHash's disbandment, but has regained his place in the World Tour: “I am very happy with this opportunity. After last season I have prepared myself as I have always done, even though I did not have a team. Of course, sometimes it was difficult to keep making all the sacrifices without knowing if I would be able to race at the highest level. But luckily, all those sacrifices are rewarded now. I am very motivated to make something good out of this. A period like I have had just now, makes you value the life of a pro cyclist even more.”

As for Carlos Barbero, he was in the exact same situation, however he hasn't raced professionally this year yet. Like Rensburg, he has developed his career around his sprinting abilities, combined with a talent in climbing that often saw him near the front in hilly races. He says “you have to keep believing. And so I have always done, even though it was difficult at times. I am ready to prove straight away that I am worth this opportunity. Both by sharing my experience as in getting my own results.”

Lelangue is confident that the addition of these two riders will make a significant difference in the team, and at a time where Lotto Soudal quite below the red line for a World Tour spot in the coming season, every result matters. “They are experienced, race-ready and very motivated. We will give them a chance until the end of the season and believe that they will fit in this team very well. They are grateful for the chance they are given and I am sure that they will prove their value for our young team," he concluded.