Development Lotto Cycling Team further expands its commitment to developing young cycling talent

Keeping a close eye on the youngest pelotons is essential in modern cycling. Riders like Arnaud De Lie, Jarno Widar, and Milan Donie have all successfully progressed to Lotto Cycling Team’s development and professional squads through previous collaborations. Identifying talent, providing training, allowing them to grow at their own pace, and offering the best opportunities—this is the core mission of Lotto Cycling Team, and it will continue to be a priority in the coming season. To strengthen this commitment, the team is expanding its partnerships with youth squads. Following the split of the Crabbé-Chevigny cycling team, Lotto is now working with both the Flemish Crabbé team, led by Jo Van Gossum, and the Walloon CC Chevigny, managed by Laurent Mars.

The connection between the youth teams and Lotto Cycling Team operates on two levels. First, there is logistical support. For instance, several U19 riders currently have the opportunity to join the development and ladies' team training camp in Altea, Spain. Throughout the season, they collaborate during time trial tests and championships. Beyond logistical assistance, the focus is on talent development and scouting.

Kurt Van de Wouwer, Sports Director, Lotto Cycling Team: "The partnership between Lotto and the youth teams provides a unique opportunity to discover promising young riders early and guide them in their development towards a professional cycling career with our team. Jarno Widar is a recent example, but our Belgian champion Arnaud De Lie is also a 'product' of this collaboration. By expanding our youth network, we reaffirm our position as one of the leading teams in talent development."

Laurent Mars, CC Chevigny: "This partnership offers our riders future prospects—a training camp like this, for example, can be a stepping stone—but also peace of mind. The pressure on young cyclists today is much greater than it was ten years ago. Everything has become more professional, and they are being scouted at an increasingly young age. Thanks to the connection with Lotto, they get a taste of professional cycling while still being able to develop at their own pace."

Jo Van Gossum, Crabbé: "Several times a year, we work closely with the team to scout talent. Riders are being taken from Belgian youth squads at an increasingly younger age, while many would develop better in a familiar environment. We have been working with Lotto for three years now, and it has been proven that combining our strengths is a successful approach."

Picture: Brecht Steenhouwer