Team LottoNL-Jumbo signed 21-year-old Koen Bouwman for two years, through 2017. He raced with SEG Racing Acedemy in 2016, an international talent development project with the ambition to develop youngsters into pro riders. Bouwman already had a chance to debut in the Team LottoNL-Jumbo jersey as a stagiaire this fall.

“This is like childhood dream come true,” Bouwman said. “It’s fantastic that I got a contract after my internship, which already felt very good. I hit it off immediately, with both the riders and the staff. I learned quite a bit and I’m looking forward to keep improving over the next two years.”

Bouwman wants to be of value for the team in the tougher stage races.

“In the espoirs level a race couldn’t’t last long enough for me. The longer, the better. Towards the end, I always got less tired than others. With the pros, it will be different off course, but I think I should be able to support the leaders on the hills and in the mountains.”

Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s aim is to turn young talents into skilled pro riders. Nico Verhoeven is happy to take on the challenge with Bouwman.

“During the Tour of Britain, Koen reached a high level and he was really valuable to the team. He is a strong boy. He can climb and despite his slender weight, he can do a good time trial as well. That’s a nice combo.”