Jasper Dejaegher, who was developed in one of the Walloon youth clubs supported by Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert, will join the Continental Development team under the direction of Kévin Van Melsen, which is now composed of thirteen riders for season 2023.
The past two seasons, the 21 year old Belgian rider rode for the MINI Discar Cycling Team of Grégory Habeaux, one of the youth clubs which are sponsored by the structure of Jean-François Bourlart through the Ardent Cycling Academy.
In 2022, Dejaegher won in Aartrijke and finished the season strong by taking third place in the interclub competitions in Honnelles and Memorial Danny Jonckheere. He showed his qualities in short stage races with a top 15 in the final classification of the Tryptique des Monts et Châteaux (14th) and the Tour de Moselle (15th).
Jasper Dejaegher will accompany his new teammates and the World Team this week during the first winter training camp in Alicante (Spain). As a reminder, the team for 2023 is composed of Arne Baers, Francesco Busatto, Jasper Dejaegher, Alessio Delle Vedove, Alexy Faure-Prost, Victor Hannes, Axel Huens, Sacha Prestianni, Tim Rex, Roel van Sintmaartensdijk, Dylan Vandenstorme, Jelle Vermoote and Obie Vidts.
« Since I started racing at the age of eight I'm dreaming of becoming a professional cyclist. I hope to realize this dream next year, in what will be my last season in the U23 category. My ambition is to win a prestigious race and to achieve series of good results during longer periods. I'm convinced that the support of the World Team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty and the advice of Kévin Van Melsen will enable me to set the bar higher. With Grégory Habeaux the past two seasons I noticed how important it is for a young rider to benefit from the support of former professional riders with a rich experience. That's why it makes me so happy to join the structure of a World Team. I also attach a lot of importance to the family atmosphere which reigns in the structure. »
Jasper Dejaegher Tweet
« Twelve months after the creation of the Ardent Cycling Academy we are pleased to welcome a first rider from this project. Jasper rode for one of the clubs which received support of our team and I know that he received an excellent development from my former teammate Grégory Habeaux. Grégory managed to prepare this young element for a step up towards the Continental level, which is a source of proudness for us. The offensive race spirit of Jasper fits perfectly with our identity. I love to see him anticipating the final with panache like he did to take the win in Aartrijke and in the several interclub competitions in which he was caught just before the line. He is also quite fast in the sprint. »
Kévin Van Melsen (Sports Director) Tweet