After nine years of loyal service, Roosen is leaving the Dutch outfit. "The team has always felt like a big family to me. I have met many new people. I'll miss going to the High Performance Centre and having a coffee with the soigneurs or mechanics. Those are the simple but nice things."

The Dutchman joined the team as it was taking a new direction. "I have seen the team rebuilt from the ground up. In 2015, we had to wait months for our first victory, and a few years later, we won a couple of stages in the Tour de France with Dylan. These are experiences you will never forget." He still loves working in a sprint squad. "I love the chaos and the pressure. It suits me, and fortunately, we have often been successful. I can still do my thing there."

Absolute highlight

Winning the red, white and blue jersey is the absolute highlight of Roosen's career. "It was a childhood dream come true in 2021", he proudly says. "Everything came together for me that day. Everyone was happy and congratulated me. I got calls and emails from the whole team. I had never been Dutch champion in any category before. It is extraordinary when you experience it with the professionals."

Roosen: "I would also like to point out that riding in a classics team with so many top riders was nice. Of course, that changed during my time in the team. I was allowed to take my chances in those races, but it's great to ride for guys like Dylan van Baarle or Wout van Aert."

The veteran rider also praises the team's recent move towards professionalism. "Everything has become easier for us as riders", Roosen says. "We get better guidance in training and coaching; we pay much more attention to the details, especially the importance of good nutrition. I have seen it all grow, which is very positive. It took some getting used to having all sorts of diagrams and a scale for your diet. But you can see how it contributes to the results."

Development of talented riders

Roosen has also helped develop young, talented riders, including riders from the Jumbo-Visma Development Team. "That's also something that suits me, I think. It has been fun racing with these guys and showing them the way. They are very eager to learn and catch up quickly. That is another positive development with this team. I really applaud that."

"Obviously, it was not an easy decision to leave", Roosen adds. "I am leaving a team where I have been very happy for many years. And where I have met a lot of nice people. But I felt it was time for something new and a new environment. Fortunately, I will still see many familiar faces during the races."