Van Vleuten gives Ten Dam insight into Dutch national women’s team: "That creates tension"

On Thursday, Laurens ten Dam somewhat surprisingly announced that, starting from January 1st of 2025, he will be the national coach of the Dutch elite women’s cycling team. This appointment follows a turbulent period for the Dutch women, during which things went awry more than once at championships. Annemiek van Vleuten knows a thing or two about it.

Van Vleuten currently serves as an analyst for the Dutch broadcast NOS and was naturally asked for her opinion on the new national coach in this capacity. "Surprising. I expected it would be difficult to find someone who would dare to take on this challenge and actually want to do it," was her initial reaction.

"Laurens is easygoing, energetic and positive. I think he can develop a good connection with all the women," said the former world champion. "And it’s good they’re starting with a clean slate. He has no history with any of the riders, he hasn’t worked with any of the teams before."

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Van Vleuten: "Now there are several real winners"

According to Van Vleuten, it’s somewhat understandable that things haven’t always gone smoothly, given the talent within the national team. "For years, Marianne Vos was the undisputed team leader. The rest were happy just to be selected and contribute to the success. Now there are several real winners, and therefore different scenarios for each race. You have to play that game too, make use of the team’s broad strengths. That creates tension."

"Riders who often win aren’t quick to give up their personal chances. In their own teams, they sometimes do it to help someone else, knowing they can expect the favor returned next time. In the national team, it works differently," Van Vleuten analyzes. "If you’re talking about being able to win a European or World Championship, when will it be your turn? It could be a year, two years, or even longer. That’s a different situation. And that’s where Laurens’ role comes in. It will remain challenging regardless," she concludes.

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