Mac Sergeant is down but not out after Gianni Meersman's exit from Team Lotto-Belisol
Gianni Meersman’s exit from Team Lotto Belisol is definitely a big blow to the team as the cyclists was really a back bone of the squad.
However, Team General Manager Mac Sergeant stated that he is definitely disappointing on losing his main rider but confident that he still has enough strength in the side to fight at the top level of the sport.
"Our riders have all stated that they are satisfied, so there is no cause for concern," Sergeant told Het Nieuwsblad.
“Without Gianni we fall in the rankings from No.17 back to 18. This is not a disaster, but of course we lose a good rider. It's always the same story with a team that has limited resources," said Sergeant.
"I think of Greg Van Avermaet, Philippe Gilbert and now [Meersman]".
Gianni started his professional endeavour with Team Discover Channel in 2007 and joined Team Francaise des Jeux for 2008-11 seasons.
Considering his superb performance at a young age, Team Lotto Belisol signed the young Belgian for the 2012 season.
He claimed stages at the Volta ao Algarve and Paris-Nice 2012 along with a third place finish at the Clasica de San Sebastian 2012.
Meersman accepted an offer from Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step for two seasons and is delighted to be part of the strong Belgian line-up.
He cited, "I'm very happy to become a part of this group and to ride side by side with great champions," Patrick Lefevere had already sought me out in 2007. His faith in me is very important to me," he noted.
Team Lotto Belisol’s future is secure in terms of the finances after the it secured a deal with Belgium’s biggest telecommunications firm Telenet however, its World Tour licence for the season ahead is still not confirmed yet.
All the top fifteen cycling teams of the 2012 season have already given the green signal for their World Tour status whereas, three teams out of Team Argos-Shimano, Team Lotto Belisol, Team FDJ, Team Europcar and Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank will be allowed to ride at the top level of the sport in 2013 season.
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