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

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Belgian not renewed with Decathlon AG2R after four seasons

Lawrence Naesen racing at the Giro d'Italia in 2022
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.

Laura Weislo
Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.