Jan Bakelants leaves Omega Pharma-Quick Step, and will, for the next two seasons, ride for AG2R ride. The transfer was hanging quite a while in the air and is now confirmed by the rider himself on Twitter. "The overall picture looks good at AG2R" says Bakelants to Sporza. 

Bakelants was out of contract at Omega Pharma-Quick Step. The 28-year-old rider had enough of negotiations and left for the French team. Both parties have now come to an agreement. 

"I'm glad I signed for AG2R-La Mondiale for the next two seasons, I also want to thank OPQS for confidence and team spirit in which I could live my passion last season," tweeted Bakelants. In AG2R he would be more played out as leader. 

Bakelants chose OPQS at the end of last season after two years at the American team RadioShack. Bakelants recorded in 2013 in Ajaccio his best victory in the second Tour de France stage. This year he won the sixth stage in the Dauphiné. 

The transition from Bakelants to AG2R sat for a while in the pipeline. "They were particularly interested after my victory in the Dauphiné and during the Tour the negotiations gained momentum," said Bakelants to Sporza Radio. 

"It's a nice offer, financially and competitively. I get a little more freedom than at OPQS. Whether I become a leader? That's an exaggeration. It has been told that there will be room to pull for myself in the attack and the overall picture looks good. "

"AG2R is a strong team that currently lies second in the World Tour. That is because they do not often win as much as for example OPQS, but the team should not be underestimated. During the Tour they took the second and sixth place in the standings. "

Bakelants holds no bad feelings about his years at OPQS. "This year was certainly not a disappointment. I am really happy that I was riding. Being with that team was a very nice experience and it is with regret that I'm leaving." 

"It was just a one-year contract and then the ball is in their court to extend it. But I'm very grateful to Patrick Lefevere. He helped me when I had problems to find a team. That I definitely will not forget. "

Bakelants would now focus on the work around and Ardennes classics. "In the classics, I will now have a little more freedom. In previous years there was still a top favorite in our team, our team will now have to bear. I have confidence that I can show beautiful things in the next two years"