Netherlands is only sending elite riders to World Championships in Rwanda, youth categories have to stay at home

The Royal Dutch Cycling Federation has decided to send only elite riders to the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda. This means that the junior and U23 riders won’t be competing in Kigali. The U23 program, in particular, is facing additional challenges as the federation has shifted its focus to supporting junior riders. For now, the U23 program has been put on hold.

The decision regarding the World Championships follows a similar move by Denmark. "Like other countries that have already decided or expressed concerns, the Netherlands will not be traveling to Rwanda with junior riders for the time being," explained Martin Truijens, talent development program manager, in a press statement. "Right now, we simply don’t have the resources to prepare at the quality level that we stand for. It’s better to concentrate on a program that what we can facilitate in the most optimal way. The selection will focus on the European Championships and the Nations Cup program."

The U23 riders, like the juniors, will not be traveling to Africa. However, the oldest youth category will in fact not get to represent the Dutch flag at all in 2025. "Driven by budgetary constraints and strict investment requirements, we carefully weighed all factors to make this decision. The structure of the U23 cycling landscape, especially for men, with development teams linked to WorldTour squads, has been a significant factor in the decision-making process," Truijens explained.

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Junior riders often operate outside the WorldTour system, while U23 riders are frequently part of teams like Visma | Lease a Bike. "You want to ensure this crucial phase in the development of cycling talent is preserved. We’re offering an excellent program, allowing talents to grow as riders and as a team in the best possible way," Truijens added.

Tom Leezer, the U23 national coach and a former rider for Jumbo-Visma, among others, will step down from his role, reportedly through mutual agreement with the federation. "Of course, I’m disappointed, but I understand the federation’s choice and the focus they’ve set," Leezer said. "I still believe in the path we’ve taken with U23 riders and am proud of what we’ve accomplished with the team."

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