"Ask my children how strict I can be" - New Dutch national coach intends to lay down the law on misfiring Vollering, Vos, Wiebes and co

On paper, the Dutch national team is probably the best in the entire Women's peloton. Whilst superstar names such as Demi Vollering, Marianne Vos, Lorena Wiebes and others have consistently entered races as favourites though, poor teamwork and team tactics have repeatedly undermined their hopes.

After his appointment as the new Dutch women's national coach, former Rabobank star Laurens ten Dam has set out plans to lay down the law and end the misfiring of the aforementioned superstars. "Ask my children how strict I can be. Or the staff of my company Live Slow, Ride Fast (his podcast ed.)," Ten Dam tells Het Nieuwsblad. "I know that I will have to make tough decisions in my new position. I will not be able to keep everyone happy."

"Everything starts with good agreements. Being clear about the people you want to take with you and about the tactics. We will discuss it thoroughly in advance: this will be your task, which you will then agree to or not. If you do not fulfil that task, you will not be there the following year," continues the Dutchman firmly. "Honesty will become an important focus."

Retired from professional cycling himself since 2019, Ten Dam spent more than a decade at the highest level, riding 18 Grand Tours. He insists he's also going into this new role with an open mind, not pre-judging anyone based on past performances.

''In principle, I will visit everyone. And if necessary, a second time too. In December I will go to Spain to talk to everyone and level up. I will clearly indicate in which competitions I will be in the support vehicle and what role I see for someone at a championship. It will certainly not be the case that we see each other for the first time at Schiphol and then immediately fly to Rwanda," he concludes. "The intention is to beat Lotte Kopecky. Lotte and the other foreigners of course. But of course: if we have done everything right and Lotte wins anyway, then she is also very much deserved."