Dutch team snatches up talent from the Rabobank program
Vacansoleil has signed young talent Martijn Keizer from the Rabobank Continental squad onto the team for 2011. The 22 year old signed a two-year deal with the Dutch team, and will look to secure the U23 World time trial championships in Geelong, Australia to follow-up his national championship title.
“He is a really strong rider who fits the team,” explained team manager Daan Luijkx. “We are always looking for young and talented Dutch riders and wish to find a balance for Martijn to grow and to perform at the professional level. Keizer is ready to become a pro. It is good for Dutch cycling to have several Dutch teams for the talented riders.”
Keizer has secured five victories in 2010 and demonstrated he was more than a time trial specialist with his ninth place in the U23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège and fifth place overall at the Olympia’s Tour.
The team said he’s looking towards the Tour of Portugal and Tour de l’Avenir as preparation for Worlds, and he could ride some races as a stagiare for Vacansoleil. Currently the team is registered as Pro Continental, but has said their interested in being the second Dutch ProTour team alongside Rabobank.