Current Dutch junior time trial champion Van Belle, who won European track titles on scratch and omnium last month, has already trained with the Jumbo-Visma Development Team several times last year. “I already know most of the boys from the junior category. In the past year I have already got to know the team during training. To finally be able to wear that shirt myself from 1 January is cool. I hope to further develop myself within the Development Team and to achieve good results. In the end, everyone has the ambition to end up in the World Tour. The transfers of Gijs Leemreize and Olav Kooij have shown that this step is certainly possible. That’s what I’m going for too.”

Van Bekkum is relatively new in the cycling world and has only been competing since 2018. “My second year with the juniors has, of course, turned out differently than hoped for in the past year. There were hardly any races and I was forced to try to enjoy online races. At the KNWU training camp, organised in collaboration with Team Jumbo-Visma, I showed that I can push the pedals hard. That’s where the contact with Jumbo-Visma Development Team originated. Expectations for the coming years I don’t really want to pronounce yet. First I need to gain some experience. I am in the right place for that. The guidance here is top-notch and I am looking forward to working with this team to make steps in my career.”

Staune-Mittet, Norwegian Junior Cross-Country Ski Champion, is also looking forward to his time with his new team. “It’s a very nice step for me. I think it is the best place for me to develop myself. From the first contact with the team it felt right and when I finally heard that I could join the team, I was very happy. I look forward to being part of the culture within the team. I know Tobias Foss a bit and we talked about the team. He is very pleased with the team and recommended this transfer.”

Head of Development Robbert de Groot looks back on the past season with a positive feeling, despite the limited race calendar. “Where we were able to race, we showed ourselves. The fact that two boys will turn pro next season is a boost for the whole team. That is a great development and we hope to be able to continue this trend in the coming years. With Van Belle, Van Bekkum and Staune-Mittet we are adding a lot of talent to the current team.”