Belgian Björn Leukemans is set to remain with the Vacansoleil team for two more years, the team announced today. Leukemans has been with the Dutch formation since it's inception in 2009, and will now remain on the squad until at least 2012.
The team has recently confirmed the addtion of Stijn Devlover, who along with Leukemans and Johnny Hoogerland, will make a formidiable threat during the spring Classics.
“Björn is very important for us because of his experience and qualities in a lot of different races. I am pleased that the contract is extended and I am looking forward to the next 2.5 years,” explained Vacansoleil manager Daan Luijkx.
Leukemans took the honor of the team's first victory at the 2009 Ster des Bessèges, and has continued to ride well for the Dutch team. This spring he rode to an impressive fourth place in the Tour of Flanders, and followed it up with a sixth place in Paris-Roubaix. The 33 year old's best finish so far this season has been second place in Dwars door Vlaanderen, and he also rode to top ten finishes in both the Brabantse Pijl and the E3 Prijs.
Vacansoleil has thrown their hat in the ring as one of the squads with the intention of upgrading to ProTour status in 2011. Entry into cycling's premiere league would secure the squad automatic invitations to the UCI World Calendar events.