The 38-year-old Belgian rider sees his strong efforts rewarded with a one-year contract.
The image of Dries Devenyns coming to the front of the peloton and launching Julian Alaphilippe to victory on the first stage of this year’s Tour de France is an indelible one. On that day, in Bretagne, Devenyns showed again his strength and tactical acumen as he gave his teammate Julian the sign to go and capture the yellow jersey, in addition to the win – Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s 100th in a Grand Tour.
An invaluable team player, the Belgian rider has played an important role in many of the team’s successes, be it in Classics or Grand Tours. In addition to this, last season he took his first ever World Tour victory at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, a beautiful and well-deserved reward for everything Devenyns did for the team.
“I’m just happy here within Deceuninck – Quick-Step, to be able to do what I love, and doing it with great teammates and staff gives you the best feeling. I had so many great memories here in all these years, the most recent Tour de France being just one in a long list of amazing races and something I’m proud to have been part of. In every race we do, we go all-out, and I just try to do my part, knowing my capabilities. We will see what the future brings, but for now I just want to enjoy next year with this amazing squad”, said Dries, who in 2022 will start his 11th season with the Wolfpack.
Patrick Lefevere, CEO of Deceuninck – Quick-Step, shared his thoughts on Devenyns’ contract extension: “Dries is a great guy, always with his feet on the ground and very experienced. He knows perfectly what this team stands for. He can climb and can pull on front of the bunch, making sure the leaders are there, he is always where we need him to be. Having him for one more year with the Wolfpack is great, as Dries will for sure continue to be an important asset for our next goals.”
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel