This is the news from the AG Insurance-Soudal media day
Just before the cycling season really kicks off in Belgium, AG Insurance-Soudal held a media day in Brussels today. The main news? We’ve gathered it all in this article.
First of all, there was good news on the financial front: AG Insurance-Soudal can count on the continued support of its main sponsors Soudal and AG Insurance for the coming years. Both parties extended their contracts with the Belgian team until the end of 2030. AG Insurance is an insurance agency, while Soudal is a manufacturer of, among other things, silicone and foam products in the construction sector.
Five riders re-sign
At the media day it was also announced that five riders have renewed their contracts. Among them is Urška Žigart, who has extended until the end of 2027. The climber, engaged to Tadej Pogačar, earned top placings last year in the Tour de Suisse (5th), Giro Donne (9th), Tour de Romandie (2nd) and Trofeo Tessile & Moda Donne (3rd).
Gladys Verhulst-Wild, Lore De Schepper, Marthe Goossens, and Julie Van De Velde are now contracted with AG Insurance-Soudal through the end of 2028. Especially notable is the extension of Lore De Schepper. The still only 20-year-old Belgian finished fourth in last year’s Tour de l’Avenir Femmes and is considered the new Belgian climbing hope.
Le Court and Ghekiere’s seasons
The focus was also on the race programs of the team’s leaders. Kimberley Le Court, who had her breakthrough last year including a win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, will build through Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo towards the hill classics. Afterwards, the Mauritian champion is targeting the Tour de France, where she wore the yellow jersey for several days last season.
Justine Ghekiere has a similar program, focusing on the Ardennes classics. In between, she will also race the Tour of Flanders. Moreover, she will ride the Giro d’Italia, where she will serve fully in support of the team.
Gigante headed to Giro and Vuelta
With De Schepper, Žigart, and especially Sarah Gigante, AG Insurance-Soudal has a strong squad for the Italian Grand Tour. Gigante was third overall last year after claiming two mountain stage wins. Her recovery from a broken thigh bone is progressing well, although no return-to-racing date has yet been announced. She will start the Vuelta alongside Žigart and others. The full roster for
