AG2R-La Mondiale have set about bolstering their Classics arsenal and have brought on board two six-foot Belgians to become more competitive in the spring, with Stijn Vandenbergh and Oliver Naesen both joining on two-year contracts.
Vandenbergh, now 32, spent a year with the Vincent Lavenu’s French squad in his second season as a pro back in 2008, but has spent the last five years at QuickStep. In that time he established himself as an important member of arguably the strongest Classics team in cycling, but never landed a one-day win of his own, with fourth at the 2014 Tour of Flanders, fourth at E3 Harelbeke the same year, second at Omloop Het Niuewsblad in 2013, and fourth at Gent-Wevelgem last season.
“A group geared towards the Classics is under construction and I’m happy to be a part of it. I know I can try my hand at certain races,” said Vandenbergh, who also acknowledged that his 6ft5in frame will be put at the disposal of others.
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“After the spring, my job will be to protect the leaders in the stage races – I like that part of my job.”
As for Oliver Naesen, the 25-year-old has had something of a stuttering start to his career, having turned pro with Topsport in 2015 before moving up to WorldTour level with IAM last year. With the Swiss team folding at the end of the year, AG2R will be his third home in as many seasons but he hopes he can kick on after finishing 13th at this year's Paris-Roubaix.
“The Classics project attracted me and I’m happy to start this new chapter,” said Naesen. “I’ve just finished my first Tour de France and I hope that will allow me to reach the next level. In the future I dream of doing well at Paris-Roubaix. Contrary to the Tour of Flanders, where only a select group of riders have the wherewithal to win, the 'Hell of the North' is more open.”
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