Yasper Philipsen has signed a two-year contract extension with the Alpecin Phoenix that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2024 season. The 24-year-old, who joined Alpecin Phoenix last season from UAE team Emirates, has won 13 games so far.

"I am very happy to find an agreement for a two-year contract extension so soon. I feel good here and look forward to continuing to grow within the team in the coming seasons."

Earlier this week, Philipsen continued his strong pre-Tour de France form by winning the second stage of the Baloise Belgian Tour in Knokke-Heist.

Last year, he had a string of near-misses in the Tour de France, finishing second three times, including on the Boulevard des Champs-Elysées. He also finished third three times. He then had a brilliant 2021, with two stage wins at the Vuelta a España and four one-day wins.

Unlike a year ago, when Alpecin Phoenix sent Tim Merlier to the Tour, this July, Philipsen will be the team's lead sprinter with Mathieu Van der Pol.

While Mellier will move to Quick Step Alfa Vinyl in 2023, Philipsen will continue to play a key role as his team, which will be renamed Alpecin Desseuninck on July 1, steps up to the World Tour level next year.