Clément Venturini will join Lotto-Intermarché in the upcoming season: an agreement that is the result of a story that developed over more than a year. "Jean-François Bourlart and I were already in contact last year", explains Venturini. "But then the merger between Intermarché-Wanty and Lotto Cycling Team happened and the team found itself at full capacity. I really thought the story was over, but here we are... We always stayed in touch. The fact that I can sign now, a year later, for Lotto-Intermarché makes it all even more special."

Venturini is a rider capable of expressing himself across a wide variety of terrains. As a one-day race specialist, he is particularly at ease in demanding races with hilly finales. "Brabantse Pijl, Amstel Gold Race... that's my terrain. But I don't want to be present only in those moments. There are many races during the season where I can test myself. I hadn't won in a few years, but this season I managed to rediscover the taste of victory at the Roue Tourangelle. This gives me confidence and, above all, a lot of motivation to start from there next year. I want to achieve as many important results as possible again and earn significant UCI points for the team. My ambition to compete at the highest level is certainly still there, but at the same time I can't wait to share my experience. I'm 32 years old and I still have several seasons ahead of me. I would like to take on this role as a consultant."

Apart from this season with the Unibet Rose Rockets, Venturini has always raced for French teams. As a Frenchman, he is happy to now join a Belgian team. "I've noticed that I really appreciate this international environment", he states. "This season I've enjoyed the different atmosphere and the different way of working. And I've certainly improved my English a lot (laughs). This also means that I'm joining Lotto-Intermarché with an open mind. Moreover, with Intermarché there's still a French component in this team. I think I'll integrate very well. I also have good memories of this team. I vividly remember Tony Gallopin winning the yellow jersey at the 2014 Tour... He was also wearing the Lotto jersey back then (at the time Lotto-Belisol, ed.)."

CEO Jean-François Bourlart also expresses satisfaction that, after previous discussions, Venturini has finally decided to move to Lotto-Intermarché. "Clément is a rider we've wanted to bring to our team for a long time. He is a complete and experienced athlete, capable of achieving results even in the most demanding races, but who can be extremely valuable to his teammates. With his experience, his racing intelligence and his profile as a sprint specialist, he brings qualities that integrate perfectly with our team. We are therefore very happy to finally welcome him to Lotto-Intermarché."