Jumbo-Visma announces two strong additions to their performance staff

In accordance to earlier reports, Norwegian coach Espen Aareskjold has joined the Jumbo-Visma. Additionally Richard Plugge's cycling squad can also look forward to the knowledge and expertise of swimming coach Jacco Verhaeren. The successful coach will provide advice and support in the background.

As national coach of the French swimmers, Verhaeren's focus is on the Paris Olympics, but the Dutchman is a firm believer in the cross-fertilisation of different sports. This is how he and Jumbo-Visma came together some time ago, says Merijn Zeeman, the cycling team's sportive director. "Over the past few years, I have often exchanged ideas with Jacco," Zeeman says. "After our best season, we have to keep looking for improvements and new insights. Together with Mathieu Heijboer, I have come to the conclusion that Jacco can provide us with these new ideas and different insights from another sport."

For Verhaeren, this goes both ways. "Sharing knowledge is the reason for this collaboration," he says. "I want to get to know cycling better and will provide my input on performance processes and training, among other things. But not on a full-time basis, as I am fully committed to the French swimming team in the run-up to the Olympic Games."

In contrast to the swimming coach, Aareskjold will be working full-time in Heijboer and Zeeman's performance team. "I am really looking forward to it," says the Norwegian, who comes from Uno-X. "I have followed the team with great interest over the past few years. They are leading in all areas. Not only in terms of great performances but also in the way they think and do things. When I got the chance to be a part of it, I didn't hesitate for a moment," says Aareskjold.