Koen Bouwman is (now in the shadow) good again in Giro: ‘If I didn’t agree, I should have said that in advance’

In De Volkskrant, the climber talks about the relationships within the team. After his two stage victories in last year’s Giro and the final victory of the mountain jersey, Bouwman knows that he now also has the level to ride for his own account. “I believe in myself more. Winning one stage is possible, no matter how difficult, if everything falls into place and you are lucky. But winning twice in 21 days: that’s no coincidence anymore. That made me realize that I should definitely be able to do it more often.”

Only the chances at Jumbo-Visma are scarce. “That is the consideration for me: what do I want? I know what I’m here for. Sometimes there is a nice stage, I feel that I have good legs and I think: I could have been there now. I won’t. We go for the final win in every big round. If I had not agreed with that, I should have indicated it in advance. Then I would not have gone to the Giro.”

Glow

Although last year’s Giro d’Italia opened his eyes, Bouwman also realizes what he has at Jumbo-Visma. “As a servant I only cycle nice races. And if this Giro succeeds with Primoz, then my year has been successful. But am I satisfied with that, am I going to efface myself for another x number of years for leaders, or do I want to drive for myself? That is a two-way battle, because in this team it does not go together.”

But Jumbo-Visma is the team where Bouwman is having a good time. “In many teams there is still a culture that the elderly want young riders to prove themselves first. Young must then work for old. With us, the experienced riders help the new guys, like Thomas Gloag, who came to the Giro at the very last minute. He is far above me in terms of talent and I can easily accept that. I really enjoy trying to help and guide him.”