Lotto-Belisol have extended the contract with three important riders that are all very aggressive and have a fast sprint. Pim Ligthart has signed a two-year deal with the Belgian team while Tosh van der Sande and Dennis Vanendert will stay with the outfit until the end of the 2015 season.

Lotto Belisol can announce today that three riders have extended their contract. Pim Ligthart (26) who made his debut in the team this year, signed for two more seasons. The contract of Tosh Van der Sande (23) and Dennis Vanendert (26) was extended with one year. In 2015 both will start their fourth season in the team.
 
"I feel at home here in the team," Ligthart said. "It’s the first time I’m racing for a Belgian team, but there’s not much difference. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a victory this season. I did win the KOM jersey in Paris-Nice. During the season I did lots of work for the team and I showed myself many times, for example with my breakaways in the Vuelta. It’s nice that I have a contract for the next two years, that gives me peace of mind. I’ll aim for a victory in 2015.”
 
“There are several reasons why I wanted to stay with the team," van der Sande said. "I’ve been satisfied here for the past three years. I can often have a go of my own and it’s a fun group. Of course it matters that I set the step from U23 rider to pro within the structure of this team. In my third season as U23 rider I rode in the team with Kurt Van de Wouwer as sports director, that way I got in the pro team of Lotto Belisol and that turned out to be a good choice. I have high ambitions for next season and want to take that first pro win. The last weeks of this season I came close a few times and that gives me confidence.”
 
“I love riding for this team, next year will be my fourth season," Vanendert said. "This contract extension proves the team has faith in me and respects the work I’ve done. Next year I’m coming to an age that I want to take a next step in my career by setting results myself, I feel ready for that. In tougher stage races I’d like to show myself and pick out some stages. Apart from that I want to help the team win a classic. My brother Jelle can win one of the Ardennes classics, it would be great if I could help him with that.”