Sports director Sierk Jan de Haan emphasises the added value of the mix of pros and U23 in a team. “It is very instructive for the young riders to ride with experienced pros. That interaction works well and provides knowledge sharing within our team. Being at the front at decisive moments and positioning ourselves well are examples of this. This will be very important in the Ronde van Drenthe. The tricky stretches of road, the VAM mountain and the wind will certainly play a role. Positioning is critical. In the Ster van Zwolle we showed that we are still in good shape. Hopefully we can extend that to Sunday and finish the season in a good way.”
The women’s team of Team Jumbo-Visma is also preparing for the last race of the season. Anouska Koster has prepared herself well to give everything one more time this year. “I’m looking forward to the Ronde van Drenthe. This year it is the last race of the season. Every year I feel sad when the season is over. Recently, I have been able to train well and prepare for this race. I explored the course a week and a half ago. I expect it will be a long and arduous race, where the VAM mountain can play a decisive role.”
Besides Koster, the selection for the final race of the Women’s World Tour also includes Karlijn Swinkels, Riejanne Markus, Romy Kasper and Teuntje Beekhuis. On behalf of the Jumbo-Visma Development Team, Groenewegen, Rick Pluimers, Owen Geleijn, Loe van Belle, Hidde van Veenendaal and Lars Boven will appear at the start in Assen.