Following a short but memorable stint in the yellow jersey and a victory in the Grand Prix de Wallonnie last year, Jan Bakelants continues to steadily establish himself as one of the most skillful breakaway artists and stage hunters of the professional peloton. With Omega Pharma-Quick Step recently pursuing more diversified objectives, but still remaining focused on one day races and stage victories, the 28-year old Belgian seems to be a perfect match in the squad managed by Patrick Lefevere, but his future within a team hasn’t been secured yet.

Bakelants signed a one-year contract with Omega Pharma-Quick Step for the 2014 season after his former RadioShack squad was transformed into Trek Factory Racing team, but even though the 28-year old was visible in many races this season and won a stage at the Criterium du Dauphine, his future with the Belgian squad is still not certain.

Bakelants, however, remains optimistic as he enjoys a strong support of his sports director Marc Coucke and believes that the team appreciates his efforts enough to offer him a new contract.

“Currently, the market still remains blocked and I found it difficult to discuss these issues during the last rest day,” Bakelants told Vive le Velo.   

“But I heard that the team was satisfied and they wanted to reward me with a contract for my efforts.”

One of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step sport directors Marc Coucke is openly fond of Bakelants and wishes the Belgian would stay in the squad, the final decision, however, is to be made by team manager Patrick Lefevere.

“Patrick knows I’m a big fan of Bakelants,” Coucke said.

“I really hope it happens and I think there are good chances. The Tour squad wouldn’t be complete without the Belgian. The roots of the team are still located in Belgium, so we have to maintain a fine Belgian core of the squad.”

“But I’m not the one to make the decision, I just passed my suggestions to Patrick. I hope Jan continues [with OPQS], but I can’t tell.”