Frederik Veuchelen and Marco Minnaard will also be part of Wanty-Groupe Gobert in 2016. The experienced Veuchelen starts his 13th season as a professional bike rider. For the Dutchman Minnaard it will be his third year in Jean-François Bourlart’s team where he started his pro career in 2014.
 
“I don’t think there will be more pressure next year when I am not a neo-pro anymore,” the 26-year old Dutchman states. “I always want to give my best and get the best possible result out of a race. Next year I hope to further improve in the overall classifications. This season it already went much better than last year.”
 
Minnaard finished 28th in the Tour de Suisse, a WorldTour-race. He was the third pro continental rider in the overall ranking. In the Tour of Austria Minnaard finished 21st.
 
“Those are races I really like and Wanty-Groupe Gobert gives me the opportunity to ride there. I also hope to do the Ardennes races again to show my aggressive way of racing. That’s the way I love to race and Wanty-Groupe Gobert encourages me to do so,” Minnaard concludes.
 
Frederik Veuchelen starts his 13th season as a pro in 2016. The 37-year old Belgian is a valuable helper within the team and is always willing to support the team when he is asked. Out of the 89 race days this season, he only abandoned on seven occasions.  
 
“I am an allround rider and a teamplayer,” the Flemish rider characterizes himsef. “I believe that we have a very well balanced and stronger team next year. My role will be to be a good teammate and motivate the (younger) guys but also take time to talk with them and help them where I can. I want to be where the teams needs me but don’t get me wrong; I would love to win another race myself too if I get the chance.”  
 After five seasons with Vacansoleil, of which three on WorldTour-level, Veuchelen joined Wanty-Groupe Gobert in 2014. At age 37 he is one of the older riders in the team and in the peloton.
 
“This might very well my last season but I am still a young rider in the sense that I only started racing when I was 22 and turned pro late, at 25. When I am still motivated, still can reach the required level and continue to take good care of myself, why should I quit?” Veuchelen concludes.
 
With the contract extensions of Minnaard and Veuchelen the team now has 18 confirmed riders for 2016. Reinforcements and further contract extensions will be announced in the upcoming weeks.