"My initial expectations have probably been exceeded”, the 19-year-old Oudeman says. "From the first training camp, I felt incredibly welcome and learned a lot from the experienced riders. I am grateful for that. For example, I had never been on a service course before. When I walked in for the first time, I was amazed. It is a considerable organisation, and there is a lot of knowledge there. For me, it remains extraordinary to be part of it. I feel at home here.”

The Nijmegen-born rider is surprised by the opportunities she has already been given. "I did not expect to ride the Giro Donne in my first season. That was something special. For a moment, you reflect on the fact that you are a lead-out for Marianne (Vos). I made significant progress in the Giro because you can turn learning points into daily improvements. When you do that for nine days in a row, you notice the positive developments you make.”

A home race is now on the agenda for Oudeman. The Simac Ladies Tour is almost literally on her doorstep. "Three stages will be on my training roads, so my family and friends will be there. It's nice to have such a big race so close to home, and I think the route suits us. We have a strong team at the start.”

The six-day stage race starts with a prologue, followed by two flat stages and a time trial before the riders head out into the hilly terrain of Limburg and Gelderland. Oudeman is sure that there will be opportunities for Team Jumbo-Visma. "The prologue and the time trial are right up the alley of Riejanne (Markus), Anna (Henderson) and Karlijn (Swinkels). I also expect the last two days around Valkenburg and Arnhem to be tough. We can race attractively in the hills, maybe to avoid a sprint. Riejanne proved the previous year in Limburg that you can win solo. I hope to fulfil all my tasks for the team. A tough race is in our favour, and then we will see where we will finish in the general classification.”