During the team presentation in Amsterdam, Wout van Aert expressed his delight at the arrival of the Dutchman. "With his addition, the team has gotten even stronger. Last year it was already like that with Tiesj and Christophe, and we had a good spring. Unfortunately, I was unable to start in Flanders. However, after recovering from the coronavirus, I rode to the podium in Roubaix and Liège-Bastogne-Liège."

Van Aert will begin the season at Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo next season, following a busy cyclocross season, before traveling to Belgium for the remaining classics.

In two strong riders who can function as leaders, the Belgian sees advantages where many see risks. "Riding classics is about having as many riders in the final as possible. You should be able to win as a team. If Dylan and I are still in the lead in the final, we have a decent chance of winning. I'm confident we will only make each other stronger. We both improve our chances by racing together."

Van Baarle agrees with his new teammate. "We must ensure that both of us make it to the final. The best rider of the day will always win in the end. I'm really looking forward to competing together with Wout."

Last year, the Dutchman was the first to turn onto the legendary Vélodrome's cycling track to win Paris-Roubaix. "That is something I will never forget. It will be a big honor for me to return there as the current winner next season."

Van Baarle is stepping into the spotlight at Team Jumbo-Visma. "That adds pressure, but I'm prepared for it. I'm already looking forward to the Tour of Flanders. That race has something special for me. I've been really close to winning a couple times. It still bothers me now and then."

"Dylan is a significant addition to our classic team", Merijn Zeeman said of what he calls a dream transfer. We also have a good foundation for maximum performance with Christophe, Tiesj, Nathan, and the Van Dijke brothers. Winning a monument in cycling is very difficult. Fortunately, we have already won two", the sporting director refers to Van Aert's victory in San Remo and Primoz Roglic's in Liège. "However, we remain ambitious."

Winning the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, Zeeman has been dreaming of this for a long time. "I think it is feasible with this team. Last year, Van Aert and Van Baarle were each other's main rivals at Roubaix, but that will not be the case this year. We expect to be stronger than ever in the classics finals. Specific training, the best materials, and a comprehensive tactical strategy are all required. It's going to be an exciting spring."

"Wout's victories in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Classic last year were really great", adds Tiesj Benoot. The rider emphasizes that the team has even bigger goals. "We aim for victories in the monuments. In Flanders, I want to be my best to get the most out of the team."

In Van Aert's absence from the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the Belgian may pursue his own opportunities. "This technique of allowing a free role in some races worked well last year, and we will use it again next year."

Benoot typifies the burning ambition of Team Jumbo-Visma's classic core. "I can't wait to get started."