Ten Dam to stay with Belkin through 2015
The 32-year-old rejects several other offers to remain with the Dutch team
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Laurens ten Dam will ride for Belkin through the 2015 season, the team announced Thursday morning.
The Dutch rider, who first joined the squad — formerly known as Rabobank and then Blanco — in 2008. Since then he’s ridden in eight grand tours, his best finish being an eighth-place showing at the 2012 Vuelta a Espana.
“In the last couple of years Laurens has proven he’s a strong grand tour rider,” Blanco sports director Nico Verhoeven said in a press release. “In the Tour, we allowed Laurens to ride for himself. He did very well despite the pressure.”
Ten Dam rode to 13th at last month’s Tour de France, his best result at the race.
The 32-year-old received several offers from other teams but opted to remain with Belkin.
“I’m very happy to be part of this team, working with superb teammates and sports directors,” he said. “I have really improved here as a rider. I’m happy with the opportunities I have and continue to receive. Honestly, I couldn’t find any reason to leave.”
Next up for ten Dam is the Vuelta, where he will co-lead the squad with Bauke Mollema — who finished sixth at the Tour this year.
