Tim van Dijke points to Hindley, Pellizzari, but above all himself as a Vuelta rider to watch: "Bring it on!"
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Follow us on GoogleThe Van Dijke brothers moved from Visma | Lease a Bike to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe to ride in Grand Tours alongside classics for the German team. After Mick's Tour de France debut in July, it's now time for Tim in the Vuelta a España. IDLProCycling.com spoke with the 25-year-old Dutchman at the team presentation on Thursday, who is incredibly excited about the second Grand Tour of his career. And with good reason, because he and his teammates are ready to fly.
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After the Dutch Championships, you said you were going to take a break and then hope for that last Grand Tour of the year. Now that you're here, can we conclude that everything has gone according to plan?
“Yes, that's right. I prepared myself well for the Vuelta and was with the team on altitude training in Livigno. After that, I rode the Tour of Poland, and now we're finally here. Bring it on!”
How do you prepare for a Vuelta a España with so many mountain finishes, gradients of over 20 percent, you probably know what I mean...
“Yes, on those days I'll just stay in the grupetto. But there are also days when there are opportunities to go for a result, and fortunately, the team gives me the freedom to do so. I'm pleased with my role, supporting our leader Jai Hindley and getting the freedom to go for a result myself here and there.”
That sounds a bit like Danny van Poppel's role. Are you going to sprint?
“Of course, we're here with a climbing team, but there are also sprint stages, and I can do my thing in those. I'll have to find my own way, and I can do that. Then we'll see what I can do.”
Have you been actively training for those sprints as part of your preparation?
“I also got involved in the sprints in Poland, but for me, in a grand tour like this, it's especially nice when the fatigue sets in in the peloton. I can't rely on a fresh sprint because I'm not a real sprinter. That's why I'm looking forward to this, in such a tough Vuelta.”
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Tim van Dijke mentions Hindley and Pellizzari as names to watch
Since you've been at altitude with the Vuelta team... Who's in the right shape at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe?
“I know that Jai has worked very hard at altitude; he's sharp. And I also think very highly of our other man, Giulio Pellizzari. He showed how good he is in the Giro d'Italia, and he also rode very strongly in Burgos. He's been given a lot of freedom, so I think Giulio could well show us something special.”
Did you talk to Mick about your Grand Tours after the Tour de France, now that your schedules are somewhat different this season?
“I haven't seen him much in recent months, which is a shame. Mick mainly told me to stay on my bike.”
That's easier said than done....
“That's true, haha. Last year, I rode the Giro with a completely different preparation, and I learned a lot from that. We're going to try to get the best out of it day by day.”
Do you have any ambition within the team?
“Jai has had a serious rehabilitation after his crash in the Giro, but he is our leader for a reason. We have an outstanding team, where several riders are allowed to go for stage wins. That will also be important.”
Final question: Remco Evenepoel will be riding for you in 2026. What do you think about that?
“I'm pleased about it, I'm looking forward to it. Of course, there were rumors, and on the day it was officially announced, we were also notified. It was all kept very secret.”
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Bram van der PloegEditor-in-chief
Bram van der Ploeg (35) is the proud founder of In de Leiderstrui, IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, launched in 2018. Finally, he could create stories about the sport he had followed since childhood. He is the editor-in-chief on paper, but prefers to be with his recorder next to a rider, a team bus, or in the mud at a cyclocross race. Every year, from February to the end of May, Bram follows the entire Italian cycling season, from the Trofeo Laigueglia to the Giro d'Italia, with the grand finale in October in Lombardy. During that time, he lives in Tuscany, where he has since come to call Italy his 'home'.
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