Escape expert Thomas de Gendt has extended his contract with Lot Soudal for two more seasons.

After the first offer before the COVID-19 pandemic, several riders lamented the lack of contract news. New contracts were put on hold as 25 team staff members were temporarily laid off to save money.

De Gendt's contract news indicates that the Belgian team is planning for continuity into the future. Philippe Gilbert and Caleb Yuan's contracts run through at least 2022, while John Degenkolb's contract runs through the end of 2021.

De Gendt is seen as the cornerstone of the team, and his bold but calculated attempts at escape are matched by his love of the sport and loyalty to the Lot Soudal team.

De Gendt and several teammates are currently training in the Vosges mountains of France before returning to racing in the Tour de Pollogne in early August.

De Gendt has won multiple Grand Tour stages, including stage 8 of the 2019 Tour de France in Saint-Etienne; in 2019 he will race the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España, and in September, the 2020 He has been selected to be a member of the Lotto Soudal team for the Tour de France.

"For me, it was very obvious. I never thought about changing teams. Why would I? I was just going to do what I had to do," de Gendt said of his new contract.

"I have known this house for six years now. To be honest, I have never been interested in another team. Lot Soudal knows me and gives me the freedom I need. In the past we have won many great races together. Lotto Soudal knows me and gives me the freedom I need.

"There are champions in the Classics like Philippe Gilbert, Tim Wellens, and John Degenkolb. I want to help them. My personal dream is to win a stage in one of the 10 major stage races. I have already won Catalunya, Paris-Nice, Switzerland, Romandie, and the Dauphiné, so I just missed Tirreno-Adriatico and the Vuelta al País Vasco. Unfortunately it won't happen in 2020, but with the support of the team, I hope it will happen in a few years."

Lotto Soudal's team manager, John Lelangue, has been under pressure in recent weeks after the Belgian media reported tensions within the team, but he promised to announce more players soon.

"I am happy that Thomas likes his current environment. He can win races, but he is also a perfect team player.

"This contract extension is good for the stability and continuity of the team. Thomas understands that Lot Soudal really has a vision. In addition, he has been very successful and loyal to the team. We need him. Together with Thomas, we will continue to build the future of the team. Further contracts will be announced soon."