Lotto Soudal sign Dutch national champion Pascal Eenkhoorn - "At this team I can chase my own ambitions"

The transfer market remains active, as Lotto Soudal have announced a new signing and one that has been quite unexpected. Jumbo-Visma's Pascal Eenkhoorn, Dutch national champion, will join the Belgian team for two seasons.

“This is a team with a beautiful history and future. I have had a lot of talks with everyone at the team: about the performance department, the style of racing and the division of roles," Eenkhoorn said in a press release. "At this team I can chase my own ambitions and will receive more freedom during races. The style of racing, with this young and talented group appeals to me. I have a very good feeling about this move.”

At 25 years of age, Eenkhoorn has turned pro in 2018 with Jumbo-Visma and has kept the Dutch outfit on until the current season. Although his path has largely seen him become a domestique for the team's sprinters and classics riders, he has ocasionally had opportunities to chase results of his own. That has seen him, this season, take a strong win at the Dutch national championships which currently has him in the champion's jersey.

The transfers comes at a time where the team has confirmed the signings of Wilco Kelderman and Dylan van Baarle - with Thymen Arensman set to be confirmed soon. The Dutch contingent in Jumbo-Visma is rising, however they've lost a big car in Enkhoorn. “I have been a pro for 5 years now and have learned a lot at my current team. Some of those things I can take with me to Lotto Dstny. But I have a need for more freedom in races. Now is the time where I can still make the decision to change and follow my own ambitions," he concluded.