Cyclist Dylan Groenewegen is in the right place at Team BikeExchange. The Amsterdammer decided at the end of last year to make the switch from Jumbo-Visma to the Australian team. “I feel like I’m a bit of a dead end,” Groenewegen tells AD.nl†
“I noticed last year when I made my comeback that I was not feeling very well. Even after everything that had happened, of course. After my suspension I started racing again, but that didn’t go well. It already started in the Giro, then the Tour of Belgium. When I asked about the sprint train within the team, I had to do it with other guys.”
Groenewegen saw that Jumbo-Visma was mainly concerned with the general classification. “I only had to think about myself. What do I want? And that is a real sprint train around me. I wondered if I was still in my place. I also thought about the big laps. Last year I drove the Giro , but my heart is really with the Tour. I feel like I was at a bit of a dead end. I wondered if I would still find myself completely with this team. The answer was very clear: no. “
Band with Alkmaarder Merijn Zeeman
“I also leave a lot of people behind,” Groenewegen continues. “For example, Merijn Zeeman, my trainer, with whom I had a very good relationship. Merijn was more than my trainer. He is completely absorbed in cycling. He really sees the team as his child and he gives everything for that. He has always done that for me. In the good years with the Tour victories, also during my suspension and when I left. My departure hit Merijn like a bomb, but that’s also good. That shows our relationship. “
Groenewegen also commented on the crash with Fabio Jakobsen† He will never forget that moment. “You shouldn’t try that either. But you have to be able to give it a place. I was able to put it behind me. Maybe a new team was also important in that. They see me as Dylan Groenewegen who has to sprint for them. going to win. Another step, new people and I’ve also changed management. It’s like starting chapter 2 of my career.”