Babette van der Wolf to make step up to elites with Le Col – Wahoo
WORDS: REBECCA BLAND
Le Col – Wahoo is excited to announce the Dutch rider Babette van der Wolf will be joining the team from 2023 for two years. The 18-year-old will be making her debut in the elite ranks with the team, after an impressive run of results in the junior category, including seventh in both the national road and time trial races this year, and winning the European championships in the Madison.
“This is a dream come true. I’ve always seen the riders at my sister’s races, and I noticed in a race they really work as a team. I’ve always wanted to ride in a team like that and I really see the motivation in the development where you can help each other with your goals.”
Given her tender age, developing and adapting to racing in the elite ranks will be a priority for Babette and the team.
“I really want to make progress as a young rider physically but also mentally. I also want to help my teammates, I really want to learn from them because they’re older than me and have a lot more experience. I’m really excited. It’s a big step, I already know that from my sister, but I think it’s also a really nice step to do with Le Col - Wahoo. I’m very excited.”
General manager Tom Varney agreed her development would be a key priority.
“We’re looking forward to bringing Babette into the team and watching her develop over the next two years. Although she’s young, she brings a depth of talent to the table, with both track and road experience, and she’s a clever rider so we’re looking forward to seeing how that transfers to the professional peloton.”
At such an early stage in her career, it would be naive to pigeon hole Babette into a certain type of rider, but she has an idea of what her strengths are already.
“I think I’m more of a smart rider, I know when to go in a breakaway or sit in the peloton or do a sprint. I’ve got plenty of time to decide what kind of rider I can be, but for now I like the appeal of the Cobbled Classics in Belgium.”
Babette is no stranger to the peloton, with her father a former pro and her sister currently riding for Parkhotel Valkenburg. Having two family members to guide her through her step up will undoubtedly set her in good stead for her first year as a pro, and the team is excited to help her develop over the next two years.