Lawrence Naesen turns gravel privateer after not finding a team for 2024

Lawrence Naesen racing at the Giro d'Italia in 2022 (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Lawrence Naesen did not have his contract renewed by Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale and, without a road team for 2024, the Belgian got creative. He decided to join the growing ranks of gravel privateers, gaining sponsorship from several top companies for his new pursuits this year.

Naesen, 31, the younger brother of Classics specialist Oliver, picked up road racing while at university and raced as an amateur with his brother before turning pro in 2017. They raced together at AG2R for the past four years. While Oliver has a contract extension through 2025, Lawrence is one of two dozen WorldTour pros who have been unable to find contracts.

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Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.