The 36-year-old Belgian has extended his stay with Deceuninck – Quick-Step, penning a 12-month contract that will see him celebrate 11 years with the team
The new agreement runs through to the end of the 2020 season and means that we will continue to rely on the services of one of our most experienced riders in the peloton, a road captain that has played an important part tactically in of many of Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s victories, especially during the classics season where his strength has proved invaluable.
As well as being a great team player, Iljo is a strong rider in his own right, having taken memorable stage victories at both the Tour of Turkey and the Giro d’Italia during his time with the squad, and gaining notoriety on the boards of the Six Day Races, where he has notched up over 20 victories, seven of which came in his hometown of Gent.
Speaking of his new agreement, Iljo said: “I am very happy to have signed a new contract I have been with the team a long time now and they are a family to me. All of the success that we have had during my time here has been special, and I have enjoyed my role in trying to help guide the guys and playing a part in so many unforgettable victories.”
Iljo’s thoughts were matched by that of Deceuninck – Quick-Step CEO Patrick Lefevere: “Iljo is a very important rider to us. Those outside of cycling won’t always have seen his name, as he isn’t usually the guy leading us home. But the work that he selflessly does for his teammates can’t be valued and with such a young team it is really important that we have one or two experienced riders like Iljo around, to help guide them.”
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