Team Picnic PostNL are pleased to reveal that Lennes Jacobs and Milan De Ceuster will join their Development program as of the 2026 season. Jacobs will represent the Development program through the 2027 campaign, while De Ceuster will spend one year with the program in 2026 before making the step-up to the Men’s program for the following two seasons through 2028.
Photo Credit: HGRS Media
Milan De Ceuster
Having had a good two years in the junior category, De Ceuster made the step up to U23 level with Lotto Dstny Development Team in 2024. That first year was one of finding his feet at this new level, but a third at Wim Hendriks Trofee, sixth in the time trial at Ronde van Vlaams-Brabant and other top tens showed the potential he has. This recent season in 2025 De Ceuster has taken a further step up in level, starting the year strong with the sprint win at Dorpenomloop Rucphen. A strong rider who has a versatile skillset, he can handle some hills and put down the power too – as highlighted by strong time trial results throughout the season and being in the mix over a variety of terrain. De Ceuster then went on to secure the overall title at Ronde van Vlaams-Brabant this season, placing inside the top ten on every stage.
De Ceuster said: “What really appealed to me about Team Picnic PostNL is the philosophy of Keep Challenging. That constant drive for improvement perfectly matches how I see cycling and personal growth. I really value the long-term vision of the team and the way of working that helps riders keep developing step by step. I’d describe myself as a Classics-style rider with a strong finishing kick, and my ambition is to keep progressing each season, winning big races and steadily getting the most out of my career. On and off the bike, I try to bring thoughtful leadership and a positive attitude. I know what I want, but I also believe that staying good-humoured and optimistic helps everyone around me perform at their best.”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “Milan is an exciting sprinter, someone with the speed to finish races but also the skills to be a crucial part of a lead-out. He will spend a year in our Development Program while preparing for a longer-term role in the Men’s squad, and we are eager to help him refine his sprinting technique and race craft. With our support and a clear pathway to the WorldTour, we believe Milan can grow into a reliable finisher and a cornerstone of our fast-men line-up for the years ahead.”
Photo Credit: Elitophotos
Lennes Jacobs
Young Belgian Jacobs has risen through the ranks of the junior category at a steady rate, showing his abilities on a variety of terrain. His first year in 2024 saw him learn the ropes as he made the jump to U18 level, but promising results in the Belgian national road race and Orlicka Lanskroun Juniors stage race in Czechia showed a glimpse of his talents. Not only partaking in road-racing, Jacobs also competed in cyclocross too with third place on a tricky course in Dublin in the world cup a highlight towards the end of the year. 2025 has seen Jacobs in the mix more consistently with multiple results in and around the top ten of some challenging races. Getting to raise his arms aloft, he took the win at a tough Belgian race, Course de Côte Couvin Junior, where he showed his power in an uphill sprint to the line.
Jacobs expressed: “For me, joining Team Picnic PostNL feels like joining a project that truly believes in its riders. What stood out right away was the trust the team shows; they build step by step with their own talents, creating something strong together, and that really appealed to me. I’m looking forward to working closely with my teammates and the staff, learning from them, and chasing great results as a collective. I see myself as an attacking rider who loves to make the race hard. Climbing is my strength, but I also have a strong punch that I like to use when the moment is right. My goal is to grow together with the team towards the highest level and make our presence felt in every race we ride. Both as an athlete and as a person, I try to bring enthusiasm and initiative. I believe that kind of energy can make a real difference in a team like this.”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna continued: “Lennes is a fascinating talent who made the switch from cyclocross to road racing and immediately caught our attention. He brings a fearless, attacking mentality and a pure climber’s physique that promises a lot for the future. Right now, he is still learning the tactical nuances of the road, so our plan is to give him a broad and varied race calendar, allowing him to sharpen his race intelligence and discover where his abilities can truly shine. His enthusiasm and willingness to take risks make him a rider our fans will love to watch.”