September 28, 2016

Jip van den Bos signs two-year deal with Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team 
 

"Because all of Boels-Dolmans riders are so strong, I’m confident this is the best place for me to learn how to be a good cyclist”  – Jip van den Bos

Sittard, The Netherlands – Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team is proud to announce a second new signing for the 2017-2018 seasons in Jip van den Bos. The 20-year-old represents the Dutch-registered squad’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of women’s cycling talent. 

“I believe she has a lot of talent,” said team manager Danny Stam. “I know that we cannot rely on the older and more experienced riders forever. I’m always happy when I have the opportunity to give younger riders a chance.”

The young Dutchwoman joins Boels-Dolmans after spending two seasons with Parkhotel Valkenburg. Van den Bos showed her versatility throughout the season picking up the youth jersey at the Tour of Chongming and Emakumeen Bira, the former a race for the sprinters and the latter a race for the climbers.

“I’m really proud of the youth jerseys that I won at two stage races with very different terrain,” said Van den Bos. “I learned a lot at Parkhotel, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities the team gave me. I’ve gained experience riding nearly all the Women’s WorldTour races, and I learned how to be a part of team.”

With two professional seasons under her belt, Van den Bos sees the next two seasons as a major milestone in her development as a cyclist.

“Because all of Boels-Dolmans riders are so strong, I’m confident this is the best place for me to learn how to be a good cyclist,” Van den Bos said. “I saw how cohesive Boels-Dolmans was as a team both in races and out of races, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to being a part of next year.”

“Jip lives around my area and races for the club I was in, so I’ve followed her with a bit of interest,” said Stam. “I hope Jip will learn what it means to be a professional cyclist with us and how to get the best out of her body. I believe she will develop into a classics rider.”

Like Amalie Dideriksen, Van den Bos will further her education while training and racing at the highest level of the sport.

“I’m going to Johan Cruijff University, which is a school that is specifically developed for professional athletes,” Van den Bos explained. “They offer a more flexible schedule than a normal school, and that’s very helpful when you’re half the year away from home like most cyclists.”

While Dutch cycling enthusiasts will likely recognise Van den Bos by name, the 20-year-old has flown somewhat under the radar and may be a new name for many. She finished just outside the medals at the 2014 European Championships in Switzerland in her last season as a junior before signing with Parkhotel Valkenburg to begin her elite career.

“I want people to know me as a person that wants to learn and that will work hard for the things I want to achieve,” said Van den Bos. “I’m also a very social person. I like to be with out people and help create a good atmosphere. I think it’s really important to find the right balance between training hard and nurturing your social life when you want to be a good athlete.”

Van den Bos joins Anna van der Breggen as a new face in the iconic orange of the Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team. Previously announced returning riders include Chantal Blaak, Nikki Brammeier (née Harris), Karol-Ann Canuel, Lizzie Deignan (née Armitstead), Amalie Dideriksen, Megan Guarnier and Christine Majerus. 

More information: www.boelsdolmanscyclingteam.com