Belgian cobbled Classics specialist Florian Vermeersch and UAE Team Emirates-XRG have added several years to his current contract with the team, according to a report in Wielerflits, which was later confirmed by sources to other media.

Third in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and E3 Saxo Classic this year, and a runner-up in Paris-Roubaix five years ago, Vermeersch has become a key support rider for Tadej Pogačar this spring, just when the squad suffered a blight of injuries amongst their team workers.

Vermeersch’ stand-out performances included the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, where Pogačar roared home to a record-equalling third win and Vermeersch finished seventh himself.

Present at all three of Pogačar’s races to date this year, he will once again line up with the Slovenian when Pogačar fights for a third Monument out of three next weekend in Paris-Roubaix. Prior to Flanders, Pogačar named Vermeersch as a ‘Plan B’ for the team, and he will likely have this role again on Sunday, after taking fifth in Roubaix last year.

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