Just like Simone Antonini, Lander Seynaeve and Tom Devriendt started their first pro season in the Wanty-Groupe Gobert blue colors. Devriendt progressed quickly and started no less than three WorldTour-classics including Paris-Roubaix. For Seynaeve 2015 turned into a year with lots of adversity.

“The way of racing is completely different than in the youth and espoirs categories. It is much more controlled,” Seynaeve says. “The speed is higher of course, the racing is much more team oriented, the races are harder and the season is longer. It took some adjustment. Especially having respect for the captains in the team and the peloton is very important,” Devriendt adds.

It was a good debut season for Tom Devriendt. He finished third in the GP Pino Cerami behind Philippe Gilbert and Danny van Poppel. There were top tens in the Tour of Denmark and Eurométropole Tour and he wore the mountain jersey in the Tour of Luxembourg.

“I am also very proud of Paris-Roubaix,” he adds. “That I managed to finish such a monumental classic, is a great result. I never thought I could do that.”

Lander Seynaeve imagined his debut year to be different. The first months became a struggle against a virus and against himself.

“It was mentally very tough because I haven’t been able to ride for a long time. I was in a very bad place. It all started in December and I should have listened to my body better but I wanted to prove myself. Then your body says stop and you are forced to take a break.” 

It was not all bad in 2015 for the youngest rider of the team. “The feeling we had as a team in the Tour of Turkey was wonderful. Furthermore the Tour of Gabon really made a profound impression on me. It changed me as a person. We have everything here and they have nothing.” 

The two riders from West-Flanders start their second pro season next year. “I hope to finish races easily like I did at the end of this season. I hope to do my job for the team,” Seynaeve looks ahead. “I also want to try to be in breakaways to get publicity for Wanty-Groupe Gobert. Maybe I can have a result for myself but I mostly hope to do my job.”

Devriendt would like to win a race next season. “I hope to do a good Spring campaign where I can show myself and do my job for the team. My contract ends next season but I that shouldn't bother me too much. If I look at the sort of race I would like to win I think of a stage in a stage race. Whatever it is, I will be very happy if I do manage to win something!”