Van Aert again strongest at Heusden-Zolder
Wout van Aert has won at Heusden-Zolder for the third year in a row. On the fast...
Teuntje Beekhuis and Romy Kasper will stay on as riders of Team Jumbo-Visma Women next year. Kasper extends her contract until 2022 and Beekhuis commits to the black-and-yellow formation until the end of 2023.
The 25-year-old Beekhuis looks back on her first year with the team with satisfaction. “I already learned a lot this season, especially on a tactical level and how you approach a race as a team. I certainly enjoy that. The atmosphere within the team is also very good. I am very happy that I have extended my contract and that I can add two more years. I hope to grow more in the uphill races and to become better tactically."
According to Performance Coach Marieke van Wanroij, there was no doubt about the extension of Beekhuis’ contract. “In terms of performance, Teuntje has proven that she has continued to develop in the tougher races. Moreover, Teuntje is very driven. If you give her the task, for example, to be among the first fifteen, she will always make sure she will be there. I think her drive and curiosity have brought her a long way. Teuntje is a real team player and will play a crucial role in the tougher races more often.”
German Kasper is also pleased with her contract extension. “I am very happy that I can stay with the team for another year. I still very much enjoy riding for the team and the team spirit is good. It is incredible how fast we have grown together. We have really become a team in such a short time.”
The 33-year-old rider is clear about her role for next year. “If I can continue to share my experience to help the younger riders, why not? My role won’t change that much next year, I’ll still be ‘captain’, between the riders and the team leaders during the race. Moreover, next year the European cycling championships will be held in my homeland Germany. That is a nice goal for me. I’ve been able to make progress this season, so I’m curious what else is possible.”
“Romy has proven her worth within the team”, Van Wanroij says. “During this year’s races, she has shown a high level by default. Romy is a great team player and brings a lot of experience with her. In addition, she is a super captain for the team. Romy does a lot of useful work behind the scenes, which makes it possible to ride good finals. That is Romy’s strength and this has been rewarded with a contract extension.”