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JIP VAN DEN BOS / NETHERLANDS
JIP VAN DEN BOS WILL RIDE FOR THE BOELS-DOLMANS
SQUAD FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN 2019. THE ALWAYS
CHEERFUL RIDER FROM NORTH HOLLAND ADMITS THAT
HER PERFORMANCE LAST YEAR COULD HAVE BEEN
BETTER. “IT WAS NOT A VERY GOOD YEAR FOR ME. I WAS
CONTINUOUSLY SEARCHING FOR THE OPTIMUM LEVEL OF
FITNESS THAT I NORMALLY REACH, AND THE FALL
JUST ADDED TO THE PROBLEMS.” A FALL IN THE TOUR OF
BRITAIN MEANT AN EARLY END TO HER SEASON. A SEASON
IN WHICH SHE LOOKS BACK ON ANNA VAN DER BREGGEN'S
VICTORY DURING THE STRADE BIANCHE WITH PARTICULAR
PLEASURE. “BEING ABLE TO COMPETE IN THE STRADE WAS
COOL. THE RIDING ITSELF WAS NOT MUCH FUN, BECAUSE IT
WAS COLD AND THE COURSE WAS VERY CHALLENGING,
BUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE WINNING TEAM UNDER
THOSE HEROIC CIRCUMSTANCES IS JUST SO COOL.”
When she is fit and in good shape, Van den Bos is an intelligent and
skilful rider, particularly in the Classics. Somebody who knows how
to position herself in the peloton and is totally fearless. “I started
riding competitively in large groups at a young age. I don’t scare
easily and am able to read the race well. I have learned a great deal
within the team during the past few years, particularly from Chantal
and Amy. They tell me what to look out for, and that feels good.” The
young rider looks forward to races such as Gent Wevelgem and the
Omloop het Nieuwsblad with eager anticipation each year. These
races suit her well because echelons generally form and the course
is hilly. “I enjoy the tactical cut and thrust and making sure that you
are at the front at the right time.” In 2019, Van den Bos wants to
perform consistently during the season with a strong focus on the
spring. “During the coming two years, I want to develop into one of
the leading riders; that’s why I went into cycling.” She also wants
to focus on the Ronde van Drenthe, the Energiewacht Tour and the
Amstel Gold race in the coming season. “I want to be at the top of
my form during these races so that I can support the team.”
"OUR ATTACKING RACING
STYLE SUITS ME"
Van den Bos has strongly supported her other teammates as a
domestique during the last two years. She has played an important
part in the team’s many victories in this role. “Our attacking racing
style suits me down to the ground. I am looking forward to finding
myself in a decisive position in a race. Thanks to the depth and
strength of our team, each of us is capable of working herself into a
promising position and then going on to win. We have strong team
spirit and we are prepared to sacrifice ourselves for each other.
I am convinced that my time will come; three years in the team
means third time lucky, don’t you think?”