Laurens De Plus: Belgium’s Rising GC Threat

Laurens De Plus, the lanky Belgian climber whose steady ascent through the pro ranks has made him one of the most respected domestiques and stage hunters in the peloton. From his early days in the Lotto–Belisol U23 squad to his current role at Ineos Grenadiers, De Plus has built a résumé defined by teamwork, time trials, and high-mountain grit.

From Aalst to the WorldTour

Born on 4 September 1995 in Aalst, Flanders, Laurens De Plus first made his mark on two wheels in the junior and U23 ranks. After standout results at races like the Ronde de l’Isard and the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, he turned professional with Etixx–Quick-Step in 2016. His early promise earned him a spot at the 2017 Giro d’Italia, and a year later he added a team time trial world title to his palmarès. A move to Team Jumbo–Visma in 2019 brought overall victory at the BinckBank Tour, and since joining Ineos Grenadiers in 2021, De Plus has continued to refine his climbing legs and support roles in Grand Tours.

Career highlights:

• Team Time Trial World Champion (2018): Contributing to Quick-Step’s triumphant squad at the UCI Road Worlds.
• BinckBank Tour Overall Winner (2019): Mastering power efforts and stage consistency against a strong field.
• Tour de France TTT Stage Wins (2019): Part of Jumbo–Visma’s dominant displays that powered them through the Alps.
• Top-10 at Giro d’Italia (2023): Finishing 10th overall, showcasing personal stage-racing credentials.
• 5th Overall at Critérium du Dauphiné (2024): Proving his climbing and time-trial abilities on a WorldTour preparation race.
• 3rd Overall at Volta ao Algarve (2025): Adding another podium in a packed early-season calendar.

These milestones underline De Plus’s ability to shine both as a team player in time trials and as a GC contender in week-long tours.

Recent Form and 2025 Outlook

Entering the 2025 season, De Plus has carried forward his momentum from strong Dauphiné and Algarve performances. His role at Ineos often sees him tasked with pacing leaders on mountain stages, but his own GC ambitions have also surfaced. He’s warmed up with consistent top-10 finishes in Paris–Nice and the Tour de Romandie, hinting that a Grand Tour podium could be within reach if he can stay injury-free and maintain his form deep into the year.

De Plus combines physiological gifts with professional grit. Here are five traits that define his impact:

• Steady Climbing Prowess: He holds a high power-to-weight ratio that allows him to pace steep ascents all day.
• Time Trial Strength: Years of riding in top TTT units have honed his ability to sustain smooth, high-speed efforts.
• Team-First Mentality: Whether pacing in the Tour or setting tempo on Dauphiné climbs, he shines as a trusted lieutenant.
• Resilience Under Pressure: Grand Tour, week-long stage race, or one-day classic, he performs when the road turns uphill.
• Professional Adaptability: Transitions between teams and roles have never slowed him; he embraces new tactics and teammates.

Together, these qualities have cemented his reputation as a rider who can both support superstars and seize his own opportunities.

Stay Tuned for More!

As Laurens De Plus turns 30 this autumn, his blend of experience and physical talent makes him one to watch. Reeling in breakaways, powering his team through mountain passes, and hunting personal results in week-long races, he embodies the hard-working spirit of modern Belgian cycling. Keep an eye on De Plus in the high mountains and time trials alike, his story is far from finished.