Amber van der Hulst has joined the Liv AlUla Jayco Continental Team for the remainder of the 2024 season, with a confirmed move to the WorldTeam in January 2025. The 24-year-old Dutch cyclist, once considered one of the top talents in the Netherlands, has faced significant challenges over the past two seasons due to a persistent femoral artery injury.
Van der Hulst’s sprinting ability, which previously saw her achieve notable results in races like the Omloop der Kempen Ladies and the Baloise Ladies Tour, was hampered by the injury. However, after undergoing successful treatment in France earlier this year, she has returned to full training and is ready to make her mark once again.
Speaking about her return, Van der Hulst expressed her relief and determination: “The fact that I was able to sign a contract with Liv AlUla Jayco is fantastic. Team manager Eric van den Boom, whom I still know from our time together at Liv Racing, has always kept in touch with me during the difficult period. I am very grateful to him and the team for the opportunity offered. With this contract, I feel calm, which means I can do everything I can to get stronger. I am very driven to show myself and cycling followers that with a strong mind you can go very far.”
Van der Hulst also shared the emotional journey she’s been through since being told her cycling career might be over. “After the second surgery on my femoral artery, I was told that my cycling career was over. But I kept courage and confidence and then requested a second opinion in France, with Professor Laurent Chiche. I wanted to do everything possible because otherwise, I could never have accepted the stop. Professor Chiche saw opportunities to treat my injury, which eventually succeeded. I am eternally grateful to him. Now, more than ever, I enjoy cycling. It is extraordinary that I can do this again.”
Eric van den Boom, the manager of the Liv AlUla Jayco Continental Team, is equally optimistic about Van der Hulst’s future. “We know Amber van der Hulst as a very talented and driven rider. We have enjoyed working with her in the past and supported her during her difficult time. First and foremost, we are happy for her that she is able to cycle again. Moreover, we are confident that she can reach a very high level again.”
Van den Boom confirmed that the team is putting together a programme that will help Van der Hulst regain her race rhythm with the Continental team. The plan is to have her fully prepared for her grand entrance into the WorldTeam in 2025.
As Van der Hulst prepares for the remainder of the 2024 season, all eyes will be on how quickly she can return to the form that once made her a standout in the Dutch cycling scene.
