In 2023, Team Jumbo-Visma Women will concentrate on a variety of factors. “We are a World Tour and a development team in one”, said Rutger Tijssen, sports technical manager of Team Jumbo-Visma Women. “As a result, our goals in the new year are twofold. On the one hand, we strive to take first places, podium finishes, and stage victories. On the other hand, we focus on the athletes’ individual processes. For me, the riders’ success this year will depend on their physical development and increased tactical proficiency.”

One of the riders with big ambitions is reigning Dutch champion Riejanne Markus. The 28-year-old rider had a successful 2022, partly because of two victories and several podium finishes. “Winning the Dutch championship was very special, especially considering the current level of women’s cycling. On top of that, there was the Tour. We fought for the green jersey for Marianne. I have never seen so many spectators along the side. I’m particularly excited about the time trials in 2023 and am hoping for a solid end result in a grand tour.”

Maud Oudeman and Carlijn Achtereekte are at the other end of the spectrum. Two years ago, the 19-year-old Oudeman took her chance at the Zwift Academy. The win earned her a professional contract. In the upcoming year, Oudeman will ride for Team Jumbo-Visma Women. “It’s special to be part of such a big team. We just finished the first training camp, and I have already learned a lot, including topics outside cycling. I have already picked up a lot from my teammates’ lifestyles. Learning and focusing on my development is the most important for next year.”

Last year, Achtereekte transitioned from skating to cycling, like Tijssen. “I was eager to try cycling. The team gave me a wonderful opportunity. I needed some adjusting. My performance in skating lasted four minutes. A cycling race takes a few hours, and I have a big peloton to compete with. I was already living as a top athlete. Although that was an advantage, I still have a lot to learn.”

The new season of Marianne Vos has already begun. She won her first cyclocross race of the season in November. Due to her altitude training in Tenerife, the 35-year-old Dutch rider could not attend the presentation, but she was there through a phone connection. Vos expressed excitement about the coming year. “I’m working on my goals in Tenerife. I’ll be back on the field on January 5 to prepare for the national and international championships. Additionally, the upcoming season will feature some fantastic road races. You have to be competitive as a team every year, and I am excited to race with this team”, Vos concluded.
The world championship in Hoogerheide and the national championship in Zaltbommel are important races as well for newcomer Fem van Empel.

The team’s first road race is scheduled for February: Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. The yellow-and-black formation will also be present in all the spring classics and grand tours. During the training camp in Alicante, the team will announce who will ride which races.