Laurens ten Dam, the former professional cyclist with a career spanning 16 years, is set to become the national coach for the Dutch elite women’s road team, the KNWU announced today. Ten Dam, who will officially take over on 1st January 2025, follows Loes Gunnewijk in the role after her departure from the position after the infamous 2024 World Championships in Switzerland.
Ten Dam, known for his stints with Rabobank, Belkin, Giant-Alpecin, and Sunweb, retired from professional road racing in 2019, later immersing himself in the gravel scene in the United States. His passion for gravel racing soon made its way back to the Netherlands, contributing to the growth of the discipline there. Ten Dam’s success as the national coach for gravel cycling included a stellar season where both Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos secured world titles at the World Championships in Leuven.
Reflecting on his move from gravel to road, Ten Dam admitted that coaching at the highest level reminded him of the thrill of top-tier performance. “I missed the experience of working towards major tournaments like the European Championships, World Championships, and of course, the Olympics,” he told the KNWU’s website. “I approach this role with a fresh perspective and aim to work with athletes in a way that builds mutual trust. They’re already top riders, so my role is more about building a team with a clear goal and mission.”
Technical director Wilbert Broekhuizen expressed his enthusiasm about Ten Dam’s appointment, noting the former rider’s dedication and strategic insight. “Laurens impressed us with his vision and determination to step into this role. His years of experience as a rider, combined with his work in teams and his driven personality, give us complete confidence he will take the right steps forward,” Broekhuizen stated. “He knows what’s needed to create the right environment for competing at the highest level, and he does it in a positive way. We’re looking forward to his progress and, of course, the first championships where we’ll compete for gold.”
Looking to his upcoming task, Ten Dam plans to meet the entire team in December to lay the groundwork. His approach aims to foster unity, an area he sees as essential given recent international events where the Dutch team’s cohesion was questioned. “I have no history with anyone here, so I’m entering with a very open mind,” Ten Dam said. “I’ll visit all the teams in December and take the time to get to know the riders.”
Ten Dam’s gravel experience, characterised by a laid-back approach, contrasts with the structured demands of road racing, something he fully acknowledges. “Gravel is a bit of fun. I want to bring that energy to road racing, but it’s very different. I understand those differences well,” he remarked, having even raced with a beer in hand at the Gravel World Championships, where he celebrated Van der Poel’s victory.
