Looking to build for the future, Team dsm-firmenich revealed the signings of four young Dutch cyclists: Johan Dorussen, Ryan Gal, Mees Vlot and Thom van der Werff to their Development program for the 2024-2025 period.
Johan Dorussen is probably the least known name on this list, and no wonder since Dorussen is already in his 2nd year as U23, while racing for a local team - Dutch Food Valley. Dorussen's signing is a result of cooperation between the two Dutch teams.
Ryan Gal is a promising rider against the clock, becoming Junior National Champion in the discipline in 2023, accompanied by few other decent performances. In coming years with DSM Development Team, Gal would like to focus on his climbing skills and racing against the clock, building a fearsome combination for smaller stage races.
Mees Vlot is not a name die-hard cycling fans would be unfamiliar with. The then 17-year-old burst onto the junior scene winning a stage in Cottbuser, before stepping back for the later parts of the season. After a year, Vlot didn't continue with the top junior selection of Auto Eder, but that doesn't mean he stopped working hard and gradually showing more and more of his potential, finishing 2nd in NC ITT just one second shy of Gal.
Thom van der Werff on the other hand already appears to be a complete rider, capable of fighting along the best on nearly any parcours given. Van der Werff's shown impressive consistency, racking up nearly 20 UCI podiums in just 2023 season.