His major wins include the 2008 Tour de l'Avenir and stage 2 of the 2013 Tour de France, claiming the yellow jersey after winning the stage by only a second of an advantage on the peloton after a late attack.

[6] In August 2014, it was announced that he would be leaving Omega Pharma–Quick-Step after one year and joining AG2R La Mondiale on an initial two-year deal.

[8] The crash left Bakelants 1 centimetre (0.39 inches) shorter.

[9] After his crash, Bakelants spoke out about safety standards in cycling.

He hoped to return to racing in March 2018,[10] and did so at the Classic Loire Atlantique in France.