Fresh out of the junior ranks, Ryan makes the step up to the U23 bunch with the Development program for 2024. A strong and competent rider in the juniors, Ryan made steady progress throughout his two seasons in the U19 ranks with the Dutch national time trial win his crowning glory in the 2023 campaign.
It seemed like Ryan was always destined to become a cyclist with both of his parents competing in the sport at various levels, with his mum the more serious competitor at a younger age before Ryan’s dad took it up a bit later. As he was growing up, Ryan has some fond memories of being sat at the side of the road behind the barriers cheering on his dad and has been hooked on the sport ever since.
Despite his mum being a track cycling trainer and Ryan doing a few sessions and races on the boards, it was road that was his main focus. Like most Dutch kids he had sports classes at school and occasionally did running in winter, but it is cycling that holds his heart and mind.
“When I’m on the bike it doesn’t feel too special in the moment but when I’m then off of it, I get the feeling of really wanting to go back on and ride again – it’s addicting.”
Looking ahead to his time with the Development program Ryan is well aware of the challenges that he faces and knows that he “has a lot of work to do”, but he’s also really excited to get stuck in and the “whole different game” where he wants to continue to “make steps in the right direction.”
Starry-eyed and a big-dreamer, Ryan doesn’t know where his future will lie but he has one big goal at the end: to ride the Tour de France someday.
“To ride the Tour de France one day is a dream goal. I don’t care if I am there as a GC rider or as a bottle carrier and worker; it would just be super special to be there.”