Belgian World Tour and Pro Continental squads used the World Championships as an usual occasion to end negotiations and finalize their rosters for the 2015 season, what allows us to present an overview featuring their (almost) ultimate shape and spiced with remarkable comments of their managers.

Etixx-Quick Step

Known as the best classics team in the professional cycling, Omega Pharma – Quick Step have already finalized their roster for the next season. Following a decision made by squad manager Partick Lefevere to gradually reduce a number of riders to meet the new UCI regulations by the end of 2016, more riders have left than joined the outfit for 2015.

“Basta! I couldn’t be clearer. Yes, we reduced the number of riders from thirty to twenty-seven, but it was a deliberate decision. I have fifteen riders under contract until the end of 2016, which means that up to ten riders will have their future decided next year. Since the beginning of the 2016, I will have only 25 riders under contract to meet new UCI regulations, with a core of only 22 A-riders one year later,” Patrick Lefevere explained, according to Nieuwsblad.be.

In: Maxim Bouet (Fra, AG2R), David De La Cruz (Spa, Caja Rural), Yves Lampaert (Topsport-Baloise), Fabio Sabatini (Ita, Cannondale), Łukasz Wiśniowski (Pol, neo pro).

Doubtful cases: no.

Out: Gert Steegmans, Kevin De Weert, Serge Pauwels (MTN Qhubeka), Andrew Fenn (Gbr, Sky), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal), Jan Bakelants (AG2R), Wout Poels (Sky), Alessandro Petacchi (Ita,?).

Looking for: team is completed.

Lotto-Soudal

The Lotto-Belisol roster is still yet to be closed for the 2015 season, even though the second Belgian World Tour outfit have already announced their major signings for the next year, with the likes of Thomas de Gendt and young talent Jasper de Buyst joining the squad. Several riders still didn’t signs their contract extensions, but team manager expects it to happen in the coming days.

“Van Genechten and Van der Sande still haven’t re-signed, but it’s only a matter of time. As only few of our riders were running our of their contracts, we didn’t have much homework to do,” Marc Sergeant said.

“With April being the only exception, we are also quite happy with the last season. It doesn’t mean that we cannot make further improvement.”

“Given the number of emails and phone calls I receive, there are still plenty of riders without a contract for the next season. No, we’re not looking for a rider of certain characteristics. We’re simply waiting to see what’s on a table.”

In: Tiesj Bennoot (neo pro), Thomas De Gendt (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Jasper de Buyst (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise).

Doubtful cases: Jonas Van Genechten, Tosh Van der Sande.

Out: Frederik Willems (retired).

Looking for: nothing in particular, but there is still room.

Wanty Groupe Gobert

The roster of the Belgian Pro Continental outfit is far away from being closed. The team manager currently evaluates a situation on the riders’ market and openly opts to wait much longer in order to acquire valuable riders on the lowest possible price. He also revealed that he will primarily look for lead-out men to strengthen sprint train of Roy Jans.

“I want to have at least twenty riders, but there’s a room for a few more. Now I’m waiting to make an evaluation of the market. I want to work on a lead-out train for Roy Jans and I’ve already signed someone who can play that role in Marcato. Steegmans? I hope I can get him,” Sport director Hilaire Van der Schueren revealed.

In: Marco Marcato (Ita-Cannondale).

Doubtful cases: the team is still negotiations contract extensions with several of their riders: Leukemans, Jans, Veuchelen, Selvaggi, Backaert, Minnaard, Baugnies and Vanmelsen.

Out: Thomas Degand (Team IAM), Jempy Drucker (Lux, BMC), Laurens De Vreese (Astana), Michel and Wesley Kreder (Ned, Roompot), Nico Sijmens (stops), Gregory Habeaux (Wallonie-Bruxelles).

Looking for: lead-out men for Jans

Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise

Pro Continental outfit known as a launch pad for young Belgian cyclists see their greatest talents – Tom Van Asbroeck, Yves Lampaert, Jasper de Buyst or Zico Waeytens - all leaving the squad in order to join World Tour teams for 2015. Squad manager insists that it only proves how effective their were in fulfilling their mission and welcomes next six neo pros on board, hoping to raise new stars of the discipline.

“No news are expected to come in the next few days in that regards, but we continue to scout the market. We are not looking for a specific kind of rider. We see that many of our riders are moving to bigger teams which only proves that we have done well.”

In: Jens Wallays (neo pro), Bert Van Lerberghe (neo pro), Jef Van Meirhaege (neo pro), Olivier Naesen (neo pro), Floris De Tier (neo pro), Amaury Capiot (neo pro).

Doubtful cases: no.

Out: Tom Van Asbroeck (TEAMLottoNL), Michael Van Staeyen (Cofidis), Kenneth Vanbilsen (Cofidis), Yves Lampaert (Etixx-Quick Step), Kevin Dejonghe, Jasper de Buyst (Lotto-Soudal), Zico Waeytens (Giant-Shimano).

Looking for: nothing in particular, but there is still room.