"I won't forget my time with the U23s" - Johannes Staune-Mittet promoted to Jumbo-Visma's senior squad

In 2024, Johannes Staune-Mittet will no longer be a developmental prospect but a fully-fledged member of the Jumbo-Visma (or Visma - Lease a Bike as will be next year) team.

"In terms of sport, it was my highlight of the year," the Norwegian says of his Giro Next Gen victory earlier this year when recapping his time in the juniors to Jumbo-Visma's official website. "I experienced eight fantastic stages. Everything fell into place. My victory with the pros in the Czech Tour will also stay with me for a long time. These are achievements and races that have prepared me for the step up to the highest level. I won't forget my time with the U23s."

"In the last part of the season Johannes was struggling with an injury. As it would normally be his last race as an U23 rider, he wanted to race the Coppa Citta' Di San Daniele. Then, he took the initiative to come to Italy with us," says Jumbo-Visma's Development Manager Robbert de Groot.

"For me, too, it is a moment that will stay with me," adds sports director Robert Wagner. "Johannes almost begged to come to Italy with us, even if only in the role of soigneur. He provided the boys with water bottles and looked after them after the finish. That shows a good spirit."

Staune-Mittet is viewed as someone with massive potential for Jumbo-Visma, a possible Grand Tour of the future perhaps and his continued development shows signs of a greater success for their junior teams in improving riders who pass through.

"The main goal of our Development Team is to train cycling talent so that they are eventually ready to step up to the highest level", De Groot says. "No less than six guys have gone on to the pros, including three to our WorldTour team. That is something we can and should be very proud of."