Frederic Backart of Wanty Gobert has signed a two-year contract to join French team B&B Hotels-Vital Concept next season. The Belgian will especially add firepower to the team's classic squad and says he hopes to win the Toro Bro Leon, where he finished second in 2017.

Bakkael has spent the past six seasons with Wanty, which he joined when he began his professional career in 2014 and won a stage at the Tour of Austria in 2016.

The 29-year-old's best result this season was fourth at the Tour du Finistère in April; his second place at the same event two years ago is something Buckaert said he hopes to improve on with the Brittany-based Pro Continental team in 2020.

"I contacted the team last year, but it was a little late and their roster was already full," he said. This time (director) Jerome Pinault came back to me at the beginning of July and we knew it was going to happen."

"I have Breton friends, I love the local mentality, and my dream is to win the Toro Bro Leon and go home with the famous pig. [From Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in early February to Toro Bro Leon at the end of April, I'm going to give it 100%.

"I know the roads of Flanders like the back of my hand and I know the climbs by heart. I know how much pressure to put on the tires in different conditions, and I'm looking forward to leading the young guys on that road."

"I'm also looking forward to working with a sprinter like Brian Coquard. We know each other well through racing and I look forward to contributing to his future success." He's one of the best in the world, he knows how to win, and he can win a stage in a week's race. I may not be his lead-out man, but I can't wait to ride for him."

While Wanty Gobert will lose Bacquer's services next year, the Belgian Pro Continental team (which will become Wanty Gobert-Tormans in 2020) re-signed 26-year-old Belgian Ludwig de Winter and 33-year-old compatriot Thomas Degand for next season The team announced that it had.