Bram Tankink extended his contract with Team LottoNL-Jumbo for one year, through 2017. It means that the Dutchman, who just celebrated his 38th birthday, will begin his 10th season with the Dutch WorldTour team.

"I decide season by season and this year, and I decided to add on a year to my career,” said the road captain. “I feel good, I'm motivated and I am very happy with this team. Why should I stop now?” This season, Tankink rode the Giro d'Italia to support Steven Kruijswijk. Next year, he wants to captain the team to a higher level. "This year's Giro was a unique experience and that is something I would like to experience again,” he said.

"I can use my experience with the new professionals teach the new pros through the season. To be a professional is a result of hard work and talent, but it is important to realise that cycling is a profession and a way of life. I hope to instil this in the new guys. "

Multi-talented

Technical Director Nico Verhoeven is relieved to have Tankink’s experience in his ranks for 2017. "Bram adds value to the team, as a helper and certainly as road captain. He can read the race through his years of experience and share his experience with the other riders. "

Tankink will work in one-day races and stage races. "Bram is a good rider who can be used anywhere. He can climb cols with best half of the peloton, so he can stay by Gesink and Kruijswijk. He is also helpful in the spring classics for riders like Lars Boom.”