Jetse Bol will continue his career at the Continental Cycling Team De Rijke. The Dutchman who was agonizingly close to the win in last year's Paris-Tours, was not offered a contract extension after three years at Belkin.

However, that message only came early this month and so Bol is forced to step down to continental level as most of the WorldTour teams are have finalized their rosters for the 2015 season.

"Unfortunately, it was no longer possible to be active at the highest level. But De Rijke is a great team, where I have one year to prove that I really belong among the pros," says Bol, who was once one of the greatest talents in the Netherlands. "I know I have not reached my maximum level yet. And if I have to take a step back to later take to steps forward, that's how it is. At least I am happy that I can continue in a beautiful team which I have often been riding against. It is a continental team but it is one of the biggest continental teams." 

In 2015, a new wind will be blowing in the team. Manager Frank Kwanten and CEO Cor van der Wel have built a new business model which is not only focused on athletic goals. 

"We will soon make a special budget to allow riders to follow courses and to do their studies," says Van der Wel. "So each riders has a social objective in addition to the sporting ones." 

Hence, it is no coincidence that former Vacansoleil rider Wouter Mol has also chosen the Dutch team. With Bol, he will be one of the leaders in 2015.

"Mol & Bol! That's a nice duo," laughs Bol who after years of riding as a domestique will have his own opportunities again. "I think it is great that I will again be allowed to ride for the win."