While Wout Poels reportedly is in talks with Team Sky, another rider who joined Omega Pharma-Quick Step for 2014 season, Jan Bakelants, is expected to leave the Belgian outfit after just one year. We have informed last week that some rumors emerged connecting the 28-year old rider with Ag2r La Mondiale and both parties confirmed their mutual interest.

Within last two seasons, Bakelants emerged as one of the most wily breakaway artists, enjoying a short stint in most coveted maillot jaune following his surprise stage victory at 2014 edition of the Tour de France and winning a Grand Prix de Wallonnie.

The 28-year old Belgian won a stage at the Criterium du Dauphine this year, but besides that result his season so far lacked similar highlights as he was mainly appointed to ride in a support of Omega Pharma – Quick step leaders.

In such circumstances it comes as no surprise that Bakelants decided to look for more freedom in another outfit, and even though he underlined that no decision has been made yet, he also confirmed that his agent is in negotiations with the French WorldTour squad.

“I cannot confirm or deny anything at the moment. But indeed, my agent is in talks with Vincent Lavenu, the Ag2r manager. We should know more within next few days,” Bakelants told Het Nieuwsblad.

While the 28-year old Belgian remained somewhat cautious, Lavenu talked more openly about rumored transfer.

“The arrival of Bakelants is not confirmed yet, but there’s certainly a mutual interest. Jan is a strong, attacking rider, someone very competitive even at the WorldTour level. He has proved it during last and this year’s editions of the Tour,” Ag2r La Mondiale manager said.