Tony Gallopin, considered as the one of most talented French riders of his generation, has found his opportunities very limited during two years in the outfit of RadioShack Leopard Team.  25-year old Frenchmen, predominatingly designated to ride as a support of Fabian Cancellara in major one-day races, decided to sign with Belgian Lotto-Belisol for two upcoming seasons soon after he claimed his maiden victory of 2013. Gallopin is certain about his leadership being ensured for spring classics and hopes to become the hero of a local crowd.

"In Belgium they live for cycling," Gallopin said

"I wouldn't mind if the Flemish crowds would adopt me as one of their own one day."

Gallopin, who managed to claim a single victory of 2013 season in Clasica San Sebastian, where he outsprinted always dangerous Alejandro Valverde and Roman Kreuziger, believes that a new team will provide him with a greater opportunities to push his career forward. Although it remains certain, that 25-year old Frenchmen is a prospect for a very versatile rider - mainly thanks to his sprinting and time-trialing skills, his chances were previously limited in the American team strictly dedicated to their older and more experienced riders. It wasn’t the first voice suggesting, that Radioshack Leopard is not considered the best environment in terms of young cyclists’ development.

"I was sure pretty soon that I wanted to go to Lotto-Belisol," Gallopin told Het Nieuwsblad

"They give me certainty that I can ride all the big Classics with the team. I love the Belgian race culture, the courses and the atmosphere. Even though I might have more talent to win a race like Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Flanders is what I dreamed off since I was a young boy."

Gallopin admits, that aside from leadership issues, his affection for the Belgian race culture had a serious impact on the decision. Even though French cyclist still points to classic one-day races as his main objectives in further career, he is aware of his increasing versatility and doesn’t exclude trying his chances in major stage events in the future.

Frenchman also reveals his big sentiment for Tour of Flanders, where he participated two times with 24th place in 2012 being the best achievement, deeply rooted in the past.

"I can't explain it but there just isn't a more beautiful race than the Tour of Flanders. Peter van Petegem [two-times winner] was my idol. When I was 13 I bought Leif Hoste's [three times second in Tour of Flanders] bike and rode with it for two years." 

Gallopin does not deny, that he enjoys different aspects of Belgian culture, too…

"My former teammate at Cofidis Nico Sijmens once brought me a crate with every Belgian beer imaginable. Affligem and Grimbergen are my favorites."