The former Vacansoleil rider Wouter Mol will again join his forces with Frank Kwanten at the Cyclingteam de Rijke, where he will play a leadership role after securing a contract through 2015.

Like many other Vacansoleil riders, Mol struggled with finding a squad to continue his professional career with after it became clear that the Dutch WorldTour team would fold by the end of 2013. Eventually, the 32-year old former Tour of Qatar champion found a new home at Veranclassic-Doltcini but never gave up on the idea of going back to his previous level.

Even though the 32-year old Dutchman didn’t manage to sign with any WorldTour outfit for 2015 and thus will remain at the Pro Continental level, he will join his forces former Vacansoleil manager Frank Kwanten, who also moves to De Rijke.

“Many times I’ve been finishing such races [the UCI 1.1 level events] on a podium, but I want to prove that I’m capable of winning them sometimes. But for now, I wan’t to have a good winter break what wasn’t a case last two seasons,” Mol said, according to Cyclingonline.nl.

According to the new Cyclingteam de Rijke manager, Mol will enjoy undisputed leadership in the squad what should support his ambitions to regain his previous level. He will also be expected to share his reach experience with younger team-mates, from which only 23-year old Robbert de Greef and 20-year old Taco van der Hoorn were so far confirmed for the 2015 roster.

“Wouter brings peace, a lot of experience and creates a balance in the squad. Additionally, he is highly motivated and versatile. He is an important link in the mix of experienced riders and young talents who want to step up,” Kwanten explained.