Key Takeaways:
– Visma-Lease a Bike faces criticism for potentially featuring no Dutch riders in its Tour de France lineup.
– The 2025 preliminary lineup includes riders from Britain, North America, France, and Belgium.
– Former top Dutch cyclists Michael Boogerd and Tom Dumoulin criticized the move.
– The absence of Dutch racers in a team with Dutch origins caused disappointment among cycling enthusiasts.
– This could be the first time in its history that the team doesn’t include a Dutch cyclist.
Cycling world in a Twist over Visma-Lease a Bike’s Decision
In an unexpected turn of events, the typically Dutch-rooted team Visma-Lease a Bike might have no Dutch riders to assist Jonas Vingegaard in his quest for a third Tour de France victory. This unlikely decision has been severely criticized by former top Dutch riders.
Tour de France Aspirants
As per the predictions, seven Visma-Lease a Bike riders will line up alongside Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour’s start line in Lille on July 5. These include Simon Yates from Britain, Sepp Kuss and Matteo Jorgenson hailing from North America, France’s Christophe Laporte, and Belgians Victor Campenaerts, Wout van Aert, and Tiesj Benoot.
Criticism from Cycling Legends
The apparent absence of any Dutch-born cyclists for the 2025 Tour de France has sparked stern disapproval from top former Dutch cyclists, Michael Boogerd and Tom Dumoulin. Reflecting on the times when the Netherlands robustly supported Rabobank, Boogerd expressed his doubt regarding the fans’ reception to the current situation.
Is Visma-Lease a Bike Losing its Dutch Charm?
Should the roster remain as it currently stands, this would mark the first time in the team’s history with Dutch origins back to Jumbo, and even Rabobank and Wordperfect Kwantum in the 1980s, that no Dutch riders are included.
Dutch Riders Left in the Cold
The 2025 provisional lineup neglects several famous Dutch riders. It excludes former Giro d’Italia podium finisher Wilco Kelderman and Bart Lemmen, both of whom were part of the 2024 race. Also absent are Steven Kruijswijk, third in the 2019 Tour de France, and Dutch all-rounder Dylan van Baarle. Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij is set to participate in the Giro d’Italia instead of the Tour de France.
Uncertainty Abounds
While critics have been vocal, it is important to remember that the final lineup remains uncertain. Pro cycling is, after all, a sport susceptible to unforeseen changes. However, even the speculation of a team with no Dutch cyclists is causing disquiet in the Netherlands.
Reflecting on Cycling Culture
Boogerd voiced his concerns about what this indicates for Dutch racing, labeling it as ‘extremely unfortunate’. He questioned if the team could still be considered the flagbearer of Dutch cycling.
Voices from the Past
Tom Dumoulin, the former Giro d’Italia winner and ex-Jumbo rider, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that such a move could discourage young Dutch people from taking up the sport. According to Dumoulin, a Dutch team should ideally select Dutch riders to maintain its national identity.
Losing its ‘Dutch’ Tag?
Cycling enthusiast and former professional Stef Clement questioned the value of the ‘Dutch’ tag in the face of the team’s 2025 choice. Despite these criticisms, team boss Richard Plugge shrugged off any patriotic feelings. His primary concern remains winning the Tour de France, even if it necessitates relying on foreign riders.
While the dust has yet to settle regarding the final lineup, the controversy surrounding the absence of Dutch names in the preliminary roster certainly makes the 2025 Tour de France even more compelling to watch.