Just a few days after taking a breakthrough victory in the Tour de l'Ain, Bert-Jan Lindeman has signed a contract with the Belkin team. The Dutchman will return to the WorldTour level after a one-year absence.

Bert-Jan Lindeman will be racing for Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM starting next season. The 25-year-old Dutchman, under contract with the Rabobank Development Team this year, signed a two-year contract. 

“This is a wonderful step forward,” said Lindeman. “This move is like a dream come true. Team Belkin has a good structure and its riders really get a chance to develop themselves here. The Dutch WorldTour team always provides its riders a good programme, which is very important to me. I’ll really get the chance to show what I’m worth. 

“I feel that the team has confidence in this cooperation. I come from the Rabobank Development Team and had a good time there. In the past, the team served as the development team for Team Belkin and so I think I can continue on the same track. 

“I’m very happy with my two-year contract because I can really build on that. I want to thank Rabobank for the opportunity that it has given me. I really appreciate that. At team Belkin I hope to focus on the spring classics, although I did well in the mountains this season.” 
 

“Bert-Jan rode at a high level in the Rabobank Development Team, both uphill and in the classics,” said Sports Director Nico Verhoeven. “He won the Ster van Zwolle, Tour de Bretagne and the Tour de l'Ain, where he beat riders like Romain Bardet who placed sixth in the Tour de France this year. 

“Bert-Jan is truly an asset to our team. He is versatile, has developed himself well and is very motivated to work with us.”