NIELS DRIESEN: THE ROAD AHEAD
Belgian talent signs a three-year contract with Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team after finishing second overall at the Tour de l’Avenir
There are young riders who arrive in the professional ranks already carrying a label. Climber. Classics rider. Stage racer.
Niels Driesen is still discovering his.
The 21-year-old Belgian has signed a three-year contract with Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team through the end of 2029, following a breakthrough season that has revealed just how much potential there may still be to unlock.
Just yesterday, Driesen finished second overall at the Tour de l’Avenir, also taking second on the demanding final stage to Ceresole Reale–Lago Serrù. During the week he won the opening stage, wore the yellow jersey and remained among the strongest riders through the decisive mountain stages.
It followed victory at the Ronde de l’Isard earlier this season, where Driesen discovered that both his climbing and finishing speed were stronger than he had previously believed.
"I feel like there are still a lot of things I can improve. Last winter I started training much more than in previous years and I could immediately feel that my level was better."
Niels Driesen“I still think there is a lot of progress to be made. At my age, I think that is a positive thing. I just want to develop as much as possible and see where that can take me.”
STILL WRITING HIS OWN RIDER PROFILE
Driesen combined BMX and road cycling as a youngster before progressing through Belgium’s Acrog-Balen BC development structure. As a junior, he finished fourth at the Tour of Flanders and fifth at Paris-Roubaix.
His 2026 results now point towards a rider capable of performing across demanding one-day races and stage races, although Driesen himself still has a particular affection for the former.
“I really like one-day races because you can completely throw yourself into them” he explained. “But I hope to keep developing in both. Even this year I have surprised myself with what I have been able to do in stage races.”
"What excites us about Niels is not only what he has already achieved, but how much development we believe is still ahead of him."
Douglas Ryder, Team Principal of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling TeamDouglas Ryder, Team Principal of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, said:
“Finishing second at the Tour de l’Avenir and winning the Ronde de l’Isard show his ability, but we don't want to put a label on him too early. Our job is to give him the environment, expertise and equipment to discover how far that ability can take him.
“That fits perfectly with our Race Sharp philosophy: prepare with precision, keep learning and be ready to race when the opportunity comes.”
THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
For Driesen, the Team’s environment and performance approach were central to his decision.
“From my first conversations with Douglas, Kurt and the Team, I felt they really wanted me here” he said. “That gave me confidence that I would have the right support to develop.
“The whole picture appealed to me. The bikes, clothing, nutrition and the possibility of working closely with the companies behind those products is really interesting. At this level every detail becomes important.”
Driesen will work directly with the specialists behind the Team’s performance ecosystem, including Pinarello, Q36.5 and Amacx, alongside the Team’s performance staff.
His first objective as a professional is straightforward: learn, contribute to the Team and be ready when opportunities come.
“I want to race with experienced riders, learn from them, get stronger and help the Team as much as I can” Driesen said. “And when opportunities come for myself, I want to take them.”
Editors’ Notes
NIELS DRIESEN
Nationality: Belgian
Date of birth: 25 August 2005
Current team: Lotto Development Team
Joins: 1 January 2027
Contract: 2027–2029
