Team LottoNL-Jumbo will start the Vuelta a España on Saturday in Puerto Banús with a team of adventurers, and plans to show off team colors in an attractive way. The development of rising prospects, whom will see their chances, is also very important within the team during the three weeks in Spain.

“We travel to Spain without overall ambitions because of the absence of Laurens ten Dam, which does not alter the fact that there remain plenty of challenges,” Sport Director Merijn Zeeman said. “Within our qualities, we’ll be looking for opportunities. On the days that the GC men make their mark, it’s going to be difficult, but with Tom Van Asbroeck, for example, we have someone for whom the team can work during the sprint stages. We’ll also attack in our pursuit of success. All nine riders get the chance to make opportunities for themselves.”

Team LottoNL-Jumbo will start with several young riders for whom the Vuelta will be their first Grand Tour. 

“It is an important moment in the careers of Tom, Timo Roosen, and Mike Teunissen. We see them as hot prospects. And regarding talent development, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to become stronger and better.”

The team time trial, which opens the Vuelta on Saturday in Puerto Banús, is a significant moment for the team.

"We approach the TTT very seriously,” said Zeeman, who is encouraged by the recent successes on the Bianchi Aquila CV. “Time trialing receives an important focus within our team.”

Tom Van Asbroeck, 25, expects a few good opportunities for the sprinters in the first week. 

“I hope to force something on those days with the help of the team. I had a good run-up to the Vuelta. It felt good to get involved again in Poland,” the Belgian said, after finishing third and sixth in stages at the Tour of Poland. “That was a boost to my confidence.”

Timo Roosen, 22, is hoping to come out of his first grand tour a stronger rider. 

“I want to do my job for the team, and finish the race. I haven’t done a three-week race before, and to improve, it’s important to finish. I think I can learn a lot from experienced men like Martijn Keizer, Maarten Tjallingii and Maarten Wynants. If I feel good, I definitely want to attack.”

For Mike Teunissen, 22, it’s been a lovely week. 

“First. I won the prologue of the Tour de l'Ain, and now I can announce that I'm going to ride the Vuelta. It’s my first three-week race, but I think I can handle it. I look forward to helping Tom in the sprints and to fight for my opportunities. Unfortunately, we miss a man for the overall because of Laurens’ incident, but it gives me the opportunity to focus on my personal development.”

George Bennett, 25, will have a free role in the Vuelta. 

“It sucks that we have to do it without Laurens, because he’s important in our team, but his absence also opens a few doors for others. I won’t focus on the GC, but the Vuelta always offers opportunities for riders like me. And who knows where it will end if I ride into a nice escape? I’ll take things day by day, and hope to avoid unnecessary time losses.”

Team line-up:

Tom van Asbroeck, George Bennett, Martijn Keizer, Bert Jan Lindeman, Timo Roosen, Mike Teunissen, Maarten Tjallingii, Dennis van Winden and Maarten Wynants.