National jerseys are "hot" in the transfer market but Belgian champion Preben Van Hecke has extended his contract with Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise for two years. "However, I could get a better financial offer somewhere else," Van Hecke said.

Preben Van Hecke surprised everybody when he was crowned Belgian champion in Tervuren. And such a champion's jersey has a big effect on the position on the transfer market.

"Several teams have shown interest in me," Van Hecke  told Sporza. "I have even sat around the table with two French teams several times.

"But eventually I chose to stay with my friends. Financially I was going to be better off abroad, but I did not want to languish there.

"Next year, I will still be Belgian champion for six months and I will get the necessary publicity. But what then? That's why I followed my heart and opted for an extended stay at Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise."

The attacking spirit, has allowed VanHecke (33) to make himself noticed regularly in long breakaways and he still wants to follow that path. "As a Belgian champion I am even more obliged to show my jersey in the spring."