European silver medalist van der Duin signs for Drops
Drops Cycling Team is delighted to announce that Maike van der Duin has joined the team for the 2021 season.
The 19 year-old Dutch talent joins from Biehler Krush Pro Cycling after a Covid disrupted 2020 season.
Having grown up in Assen, a hot bed of youth racing known to many European riders, van der Duin is accomplished on the road and the track, sprinting to the silver medal in the Scratch Race at the recent European U23 Track Championships in Fiorenzuola D’Arda, Italy.
Two consistent years on the road as a Junior saw Maike score several top ten placings in prestigious European races - with a win on Stage 3 of the EPZ Omloop van Borsele being her standout result of 2019.
“I’m very happy to be joining Drops next season. I’m looking forward to meeting the girls and staff for the first time. Hopefully next year will offer more opportunities to race with the new Covid measures in place. I’m happy with this step forward and enthusiastic to learn from our experienced riders and to race alongside them next season. I am very grateful Drops have given me the chance to combine racing road and track which will help my development further.” commented van der Duin.
“Having an international influence within our roster is something that is valued by us all; management, riders, sponsors and staff alike.” Team Director Bob Varney commented. “Our U21 squad is a really exciting development with seven riders from five countries - it’s a wonderful environment for young riders to grow and learn together, on and off the bike.
Maike has all of the qualities that we search for in a rider and we are all looking forward to working with her for the foreseeable future. She is a driven and talented athlete who has demonstrated ambition, consistency and progression throughout her career. We are all excited to see how she develops in the coming years.”
van der Duin combines her training with an internship, working at a secure home for youngsters who have experienced a difficult time in their homelife; providing them with the opportunity to live in a supported but independent environment.
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