19/08/2022

Jumbo-Visma confirm signing of Dylan van Baarle and Wilco Kelderman

Over the summer several riders have been heavily hinted to be joining Jumbo-Visma, and inbetween them were two of the Netherlands' most important riders in the peloton, with Paris-Roubaix winner Dylan van Baarle and stage-racer Wilco Kelderman finally officialized with Jumbo.

"It gives us a special feeling Wilco is returning to the team where it all began for him. Both of us have learned and experienced a lot in recent years," team DS Merijn Zeeman has said in a press release. "We are now at the point where we want to help one another grow."

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Kelderman turned pro in 2012 with Jumbo-Visma and stayed until the 2017 when he left to pursue higher leadership roles. His expectations as a Grand Tour contender finally came true, with a podium at the Giro d'Italia and Top5 places at both Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana also on his palmarès. Kelderman joined BORA - hansgrohe in 2021 and has since had a free role within the team frequently, whilst occasionally supporting the likes of Jai Hindley and Sergio Higuita to their own success.

At Jumbo-Visma, he's expected to have a similar role. "We are very motivated and expect Wilco to play an important role in supporting Primoz and Jonas. But also that he will provide good results himself," Zeeman said.

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As for the transfer of Dylan van Baarle it was also one that was confirmed a while back, with the signing confirmed now. van Baarle is a podium finisher at the Tour des Flandres and the winner of Paris-Roubaix this spring, perhaps the most successful rider in the cobbled classics some may argue. He's now set to join the team that has thrived the most throughout the spring - and summer.

"The fact that Dylan has also chosen us makes us proud and happy. He has a great palmares and is a highly appreciated rider in the peloton. We aim for big prizes and with Dylan in our team, we increase the chances of success," Zeeman said regarding the veteran.