"I feel good in this role and I think that role suits me well" - Koen Bouwman set for return to domestique role in 2023 despite lighting up the Giro d'Italia

After lighting up the 2022 Giro d'Italia with a pair of stage wins and claiming the king of the mountains blue jersey, Koen Bouwman isn't letting the success go to his head. "I hope people don't see me differently, it's not that I'm different now."

Despite proving his capabilities as a Grand Tour stage winner, 2023 looks set to be a year where Bouwman is restored to his role of domestique. "I'm going to start in Tirenno and Catalonia, both in the service of some leaders. Then of course comes the Giro where I will be employed by Primoz (Roglic). In principle, I will be employed by some leaders until the National Championships."

A modest family man, Bouwman has not followed the wave of cyclists moving to areas such as Monaco and Andorra for what is perceived to be better training conditions. Instead, the Dutchman still lives in his hometown of Achterhoek. "Achterhoek is where I really feel at home. And I am someone who has to feel good in order to perform," he says. "You are away from home for so many days. Maybe you can train better in Monaco or Andorra, but being at home is more important to me."

As such, Bouwman is the kind of selfless rider every team would love to have. Despite his successful 2022, he is content to spend 2023 in the service of others. "I feel good in this role and I think that role suits me well to help guys. I am very much looking forward to helping Primoz in the Giro," Bouwman declares. "This makes it unique when you look at which matches we win as a team. We want to write sports history with this team. That people will say in twenty or thirty years: 'Gee, remember Jumbo-Visma.' That you are part of that and get an important role in it is also super nice. I'm at peace with that."