The Fortuneo Vital Concept team is going to a significant reinforcement next year with the arrival of Gianni Meersman. Aged 30, he has won two stages in the Vuelta. The Belgian signed for 1 year and is the third signing after the arrival of Arnold Jeannesson and Laurent Pichon.

"The team quickly showed an interest in my profile and it touched me," he said. "There is a balance between my expectations and the project of the team. I have bben in contact with Emmanuel Hubert for several days, I gave him my word, my two victories in the Vuelta change nothing. This is a competitive team with whom I can have the freedom to express myself in some events. The program is very interesting, I enjoy the races at Coupe de France and I also think about the Tour de France. The sports management made ​​me understand that thy believed in me. It's very important to have the confidence of the staff and teammates to get results.

"I found a French team after FDJ. At that time I did not speak a word of French, it is much better now. My wife is French teacher so if I do not understand everything I can ask her."

Manger Emmanuel Hubert added:"

The arrival of Gianni is very good news for the team. We add an experienced riders with numerous wins in Pro Tour. It's going in the right direction. His record speaks for itself: Winning two stages in the Vuelta is not nothing, but he also won at the Tour de Romandie and the Tour of Catalonia. We welcome the choice of Gianni. He had many options but he preferred out sports project, this means that he is still very motivated to win races. Coming home, he knows he will be our leader in a number of events that he likes. We needed a signing like him."