THE ink had not dried on the contract Imogen Wolff signed with elite cycling team Visma-Lease a Bike before was she out performing in their jersey.
The 18-year-old from Silkstone Common was unveiled as one of the Dutch giants’ new signings this weekend and then finished 13th in the La Choralis Fourmies Féminine one day race on Sunday.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for the precocious star who picked up two golds in China at the recent Junior Track World Championships.
She has also starred in cyclo-cross and on the road and always looked destined for a big move.
But getting the deal done with Visma, arguably the most famous team in the world, is a huge coup.
She said: “There were a lot of scans and tests to do but I was happy to be straight into racing.
“Finishing 13th was good and it was all about experience and learning about the different dynamics.
“I think the team is going to be very supportive of me and my development.
“I can still be based at home but there will be a lot of travelling and training camps in Spain.
“I am super happy that I get to ride for the team in the coming years.
“Ever since I became a professional cyclist, I have dreamed of riding for one of the best teams in the world.
’It’s a huge moment for me that I’m looking forward to.
“I hope to learn as much as possible in the coming years, both on the road and in cyclo-cross. I hope I can learn a lot in the peloton during the races and eventually grow as a rider to a very high level.
“When I first spoke with the team, it was quickly clear that a lot of attention would be paid to my development. They had a clear plan for the coming years, without much pressure and with room to learn. This appealed to me.”
Visma, formerly Jumbo Visma, boast an impressive roster of riders including two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard and powerhouse Wout van Aert on their men’s team and Dutch cycling royalty Marianne Vos on their women’s team as well as recent Olympic medal winner Anna Henderson.
She added: “She (Vos) is the GOAT (greatest of all time). To ride on a team with her would be pretty cool.
“All the Dutch girls have been super welcoming and they obviously all speak English.
“I’ve got to adapt to longer distances and just learn all the time.”
