These days there is lots of attention for the Tour de France, but the rest of the cycling world keeps moving as well. Lotto Soudal and Tiesj Benoot have decided to extend his contract by one year. The 21-year-old neo-pro already had a contract until the end of 2016, now it’s until the end of 2017.

“When you see what Tiesj already has performed in his first year as pro than it’s logical that we take initiative," manager Marc Sergeant said. "It’s our strategy to offer opportunities to young riders, that’s in our DNA, but it’s also fun to set that next step with them, like we did with Tim Wellens. As a World Tour team it’s all about getting points and setting results, but we want to do that with an identity, with a vision.

"It’s exceptional that a neo-pro, no matter how talented everyone says he is, sets such performances. But I want to give a warning as well: don’t compare him with others. He just turned 21 and like any other rider he will have good and bad days. It’s a big advantage that he has both feet on the ground.

“The next months and years he gets the opportunity to learn more and to grow. That has to be a reason why riders want to come to our team. Young riders know that they can grow here, can make mistakes and that we look at a period longer than a few weeks or months. Look at Stig Broeckx, Sean De Bie, Louis Vervaeke or Tim Wellens.

Together with Tiesj we’ll draw up a programme with which he can test his limits. He and we know he is good on several terrains; in the future it will become clear what suits him best.”

“Of course this recent development gives me a boost," Benoot said. "That the team extends my contract after half a year is a signal that I’m doing well. I’m feeling very good in this team and I’m looking forward to being part of the team the next few years as well.

"It’s nice to have security for the future. But it’s not only with this extended contract that the team shows it has faith in me. I get opportunities to start in the big races like Tour of Flanders and Dauphiné and can save energy for the finale. I get a balanced programme that isn’t too hard.

“I also think it’s important that the team doesn’t put any pressure on me at the moment. This team is perfect for a young rider like me who’s just started his career. There is a great atmosphere and I immediately felt at home among the other riders. I’m really satisfied with my first six months and the fact that it is a good season for the team in general, with already a stage win at the Tour for example [now two stage wins], is positive for everyone.”