Laurens de Plus extends for three years with INEOS Grenadiers: "Winning big tours as a team"

Laurens de Plus can now proudly call himself a Grenadier for three more years. The British team has announced that at X. The Belgian climber has extended his contract through 2026 and is thrilled about it: "It truly feels like I've found my rightful place within the team."

De Plus, who has been riding for INEOS since 2021, is content with his role supporting the team's leaders. "My dream is to win major tours as a part of this team. I believe that this team provides the best environment to turn those dreams into reality," stated the Belgian, who is increasingly feeling valued by his team. "It's as though I've earned my place, and they recognize my capabilities. That boosts my self-confidence significantly."

Hailing from Ninove, De Plus is set to embark on his fourth season with the British team in 2024. In 2023, he made substantial progress and is eager to continue building on that in the upcoming years. "Hopefully, I can maintain the growth I've experienced in the coming years," De Plus expressed. "I want to repay the trust the team has placed in me." The Belgian climber doesn't conceal his aspirations for the near future: "I aim to win as many prestigious races as possible with this team."

For De Plus, who faced numerous setbacks in his first two seasons, the contract extension serves as a well-deserved reward for his excellent performance with INEOS this year. For instance, in the Giro d'Italia, where he played a crucial role in the climbing support for leader Geraint Thomas, he achieved a tenth-place finish in the overall classification. He had hoped to assume a similar role in the Vuelta this past late summer. Unfortunately, a fall during the team time trial on the first day, abruptly put an end to that ambition.