Contract extension for Amber Kraak
Amber Kraak, who has been part of Team Jumbo-Visma Women since June 2021, signs a two-year contract extension and will also race for the team in 2023 and 2024.
Kraak started her cycling career only a year and a half ago. Until 2019, she was successful as a professional rower.
"After I stopped rowing, I started cycling. Just like that, at first for fun. I was surprised by how well I did and how much I liked it, so when I had the chance to ride for Team Jumbo-Visma, I didn't have to think about it for long", the 28-year-old Dutchwoman says.
"In June 2021, the Dutch Championship was my first pro race. A week later, I was allowed to go to France for La Course and was selected for the Tour of Norway and La Vuelta. From day one, my goal was to help the team win and make myself useful."
Kraak did not expect to be on the podium of a WorldTour race only fourteen months after her professional cycling debut. Last Saturday, Kraak sprinted to second place in the Grand Prix de Plouay. She came very close to victory.
"I am proud of this result", Kraak states. "Last year during my first Tour in northern France, I was at the back of the pack, but I had no idea how to overtake on those narrow Breton roads. Since then, I have learned a lot. I now have more self-confidence and have become stronger tactically. The experience I gained during the Giro in June and the Tour of Scandinavia earlier this month, I was able to use last weekend."
According to team manager Esra Tromp, the speed at which Kraak is developing is unique and encouraging. "Furthermore, Amber is a very taxing athlete with a great motor. When you add in her fighting spirit, guts, loyalty and team spirit, you can see why we like having Amber on the team. We are pleased that we can count on her for the next two years as well."
"Amber is a very taxing athlete with a great motor"
Kraak is still riding this year's La Vuelta and Trophee des Grimpeuses but is also looking ahead to 2023.
"Next year, I would like to be a fixture for my teammates in the finals of the spring classics. In the last forty kilometres I want to be structurally present to help them. In addition, I hope to get better at the time trial and improve my course insight. Now I sometimes live in a bubble and I do not get everything that's happening around me. I am confident that I will do well."
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