"We're going for victory in orange" - Dutch national coach presents star-filled women selection for Kigali

After Vuelta a Espana, all eyes will turn towards World Championships in Kigali at the end of September. The first ever rainbow jersey from Africa will go to the fastest woman in a time trial on September 21. Women's road race is planned six days later, on September 27. As has become a tradition in recent years, the Dutch women will bring several favourites, all with ambition to win. National coach Laurens ten Dam wasted no time and already announced a selection more than a month in advance.

With so many talents to choose from, some will always end up disappointed. "Of course it was difficult. The level of the Dutch riders is high; we could have fielded several teams. This means you also have to disappoint riders. This 180-kilometer course with 3,000 meters of elevation gain has to suit you. You think about it a lot, and that's how you make the decisions."

The main stars are Demi Vollering, a two-time world champion Anna van der Breggen, and a three-time world champion Marianne Vos. It would be however unwise to understimate the mountain bike star Puck Pieterse who could find this classic-like course to her liking.

The team will be comepleted by Yara Kastelijn and Pauliena Rooijakkers. Riejanne Markus will be ready to step in as substitute for both road race and the time trial.

"We're going for gold. However, winning is never a given; just look at the different nationalities that have won the classics and the Tour. Our goal is clear: we're going for victory in orange. The race situation will determine who ultimately comes out on top. I expect the women to be ready to go to the start line, fighting for each other in orange."

In the past, the biggest issue of the star-filled Dutch women's team seemed to be an apparent lack of cohesion between the biggest names of world's cycling. However Ten Dam is confident he has solved most of the issues.

"I've carefully considered all possible tactics and the corresponding team roles. This has been discussed with the riders, and they have said 'yes' to their specific roles. Up until now, our time together as a team has been limited, of course, but soon in Kigali, we'll spend a considerable amount of time together, especially with the women who will also be riding the time trial. There will be plenty of time to train together, chat, and of course, laugh!"