The Dutch U23 Champion, victorious in six races this year, becomes the fourth new signing of our team.
Fabio Jakobsen will ride for Quick-Step Floors in 2018 and 2019, after agreeing to put pen to paper with the squad which amassed over 600 victories since its inception, 15 years ago. Fabio, who in the past seasons has made his apprenticeship with the SEG Racing Academy team, is a talented and strong sprinter with a deep affection for the Classics, who showcased his talents since his junior days, back in 2014, when he scored 11 wins.
This year, his last in the U23 ranks, Fabio scored six victories so far, including a second consecutive national title and the Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt. Currently racing the prestigious Tour de l'Avenir, the Dutchman talked of his move to Quick-Step Floors and how excited he is to step up to the World Tour after his most successful season to date, one in which he forged a spectacular palmares for a 20-year-old.
"I think every young rider is dreaming of turning pro one day, but to get an offer from this team, there is almost no words for it. I know it is not an easy step up for a young rider like me, but I think that with a lot of hard work, determination and dedication I can get far in the pro world", explained Fabio, who inherited the love for the sport from his parents and raced for the first time in amateur competitions at the age of 10. "I don't think I will find a better team that can help me develop as a rider. I am confident Patrick and this team can offer me the best there is to help me progress and hopefully one day I can start dreaming about winning one of the classics."
"We always keep a close eye on the U23 scene, as one of our policies is to promote the young talents to the pro peloton and develop them into successful riders over time. In the seasons spent with SEG Racing Academy, Fabio Jakobsen showed great talent and potential, so when it came down to signing him we didn't think twice and offered him a two-year deal", said Patrick Lefevere, Quick-Step Floors' CEO. "As a U23 rider, Fabio tasted success on countless occasions and we are confident that with our help, as he progresses, he'll continue to build on what he has achieved so far and begin making a name for himself in the pro ranks."
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
