Vacansoleil's Johnny Hoogerland aiming to support Riccardo Ricco at Giro d'Italia

Dutch talent will get the chance to shine in 2011’s Grand Tours

27 year old Dutchman, Johnny Hoogerland, will get the chance to do the races he’s been targeting for some time now in 2011. The aggressive all around talent, rode a sterling Vuelta a Espana in 2009 with Vacansoleil. There were big hopes for both Hoogerland and Vacansoleil in 2010, but the wild card invitations were not forthcoming, and Hoogerland had to settle for a steady diet of constant racing throughout the season.

The heights of 2009 were not to be found in 2010 for Hoogerland, and the best placed Dutchman in the 2009 World Championships did not even gain selection last season by Dutch national coach, Leo Van Vliet.

2011 should provide the opportunities that a rider like Hoogerland craves though. ProTeam status should ensure that Vacansoleil will be present in all of the major races, including the Grand Tours. Hoogerland’s abilities uphill as well as his aggressive nature make him a perfect candidate for not only a high overall placing, but a stage win.

With the addition of Riccardo Ricco at the end of last season, Hoogerland could become an ace domestique, as the rider from Modena pursues his second chance.

The early plan for Hoogerland will be to race the Giro d’Italia in support of Riccardo Ricco.

“Riccardo was already close before, so he has proved he can race on that stage. I will help him as much as possible,” said the 2009 Vuelta 12th place overall finisher to Wielerland TV.

The coming invites will also likely see the hilly specialist at home in the Ardennes Classics. The Ardennes, the Giro, and likely a Tour start? One has to wonder if Hoogerland will end up in a situation like 2010 if he gets his way: too much racing.

“I raced just over 15,000 kilometers, which is actually quite a lot without a Grand Tour,” said the rider to Wieler Revue a month ago.

It would seem that both Hoogerland and Vacansoleil will heed the lessons of 2010 though, and his team has made it clear that while Hoogerland hopes to ride the Giro, his schedule is not yet 100% decided.