As news came out that Liane Lippert would be leaving Team DSM for Movistar in 2023, there came confirmation from Team DSM that Megan Jastrab and Esmée Peperkamp would continue with the Dutch outfit. For Esmée Peperkamp (25), it is a one-year extension to the end of 2023 and for Megan Jastrab (20) a longer deal to the end of 2025.
The American Jastrab was a highly regarded junior, winner of the Junior World Championships in Harrogate. A Covid-interrupted 2020 season and a focus on the Olympics delayed her racing with Team DSM but over the last 2 seasons, she has begun to develop and recently took strong results at the MerXem Classic and Tour of Scandinavia. With Lorena Wiebes leaving the team in 2023, Jastrab will no doubt be promoted to the role that Charlotte Kool has had this season. A strong lead out sprinter who will get her own opportunities in various races next season.
“I am grateful that I can continue to count on Team DSM’s support in achieving my goals in the coming years. I look forward to continuing my development with the team. I still have a lot to learn.”
Megan Jastrab
“We see her as someone with a lot of potential for the sprints, but she can also handle the shorter hill work well. Not only is she very talented, she is also very driven and smart in addition to the bike. We look forward to working with Megan in the coming years.”
Rudi Kemna, Team DSM head coach
Photo Credit: Patrick Brunt
Esmée Peperkamp has often been a loyal domestique for much of this season but has also shined in the chances she’s had. She was 3rd in the Baloise Ladies Tour prologue, and then 6th in the later time trial in that race to finish 11th in GC. Also a strong finish on Stage 5 at the Tour of Scandinavia, which saw the race finish on the Norefjell climb, where she took 8th place. She joined the team in 2021 after only beginning her top-level racing in 2019. She is currently out of action with a broken collarbone, which may see her finish her season.
“I am currently going through a difficult period due to my collarbone fracture, but luckily I am getting all the support I need from the team to make a full recovery. I am very happy that Team DSM has confidence in me. Next year I want to improve my climbing and time trial skills even further.”
Esmée Peperkamp
“Esmée is a real team player and is always willing to give everything for her teammates. That is an extremely valuable feature. She has developed really well with us and we see that she has a big engine. She is still relatively new to the pack so we think there is still room for further growth.”
Rudi Kemna, Team DSM head coach
