"He is an ambassador for the team for the rest of his life" - Zeeman praises Jumbo-Visma stalwart Gesink

Robert Gesink has long been a key cog in Jumbo-Visma's Grand Tour machine. As the 36-year-old's career nears its end, sporting director Merijn Zeeman has reassured the Dutchman "he is an ambassador for the team for the rest of his life."

Currently in Australia, Gesink is opening his 2023 campaign at the Santos Tour Down Under. Despite this being rumoured to be his last year as a professional cyclist, Zeeman reveals how he has "left the door slightly ajar" in the hope that Gesink rethinks his potential retirement.

"Robert is still very valuable to us. It is very important for the team that Robert can complete his career in a good way, so that he is an ambassador for the team for the rest of his life. We've already talked about it a few times and after the Giro we'll talk further," Zeeman says. "If you've been a professional for so long, it's important to weigh up the right time to stop. It seems that time has not yet arrived. Robert can think about it calmly."

On what Gesink believes he can still achieve in the autumn of his career, the Dutchman is keen to once again help Primoz Roglic achieve Grand Tour success. "Primoz is clear what he wants there. I have been there three times when he won the Vuelta, hopefully I can also contribute now." The Dutchman started his season at the Tour Down Under but was forced to abandon after suffering a crash today.