Dulwich cyclist joins Team Jumbo-Visma

BY EDMUND BRACK

Dulwich-born Thomas Gloag says that joining professional bicycle racing outfit Team Jumbo-Visma is his proudest achievement.

The 21-year-old joined the Dutch side, who won the Tour de France last year with Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard Rasmussen, on a three-year deal in August.

Gloag won a stage at the Tour de I’Avenir last year with Trinity Racing and claimed third at the Ronde de I’Isard in 2021.

“Joining Team Jumbo-Visma is my proudest achievement,” Gloag told the South London Press. “I love everything the team stands for. Being part of such a special group of people is a real privilege.

“We have the support of an amazing group of trainers and experts – we always have world-class resources and nutrition at our fingertips.

“I originally did some testing for the team and found out a few days later that I had received a spot on the team. It was a surreal moment. I don’t think I was able to process the magnitude at the time.

“There is an amazing cycling community in South London, despite what it may seem from the outside.

“Bradley Wiggins was my cycling idol growing up. He spent a lot of time in London in his earlier days, he was riding at my local velodrome in Herne Hill.

“He completely changed the sport of cycling for British athletes when he won the tour and Olympic Time trial in 2012.

“I was very fortunate to have my local cycling club down at Herne Hill Velodrome, where I was able to ride my bike outdoors in almost any weather with people from all walks of life.

“That was the reason I was lucky enough to find this amazing sport.”

Races such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia can take place over 20 stages, with cyclists competing for up to 2,200 miles in 23 days.

Dole Packaged Foods Europe has been chosen as one of the team’s brand partners. Dole will provide elite athletes with a selection of healthy snacks that will be incorporated into their regime.

“Our performance chefs spend lots of time creating nutrition plans for each ride we undertake.

“After races and during travelling, we focus on eating the best nutrient-rich snacks and consuming a good amount of fructose, glucose, and fibre in meals in the right quantities – this is where Dole comes in.

“As for how hard the races are, they’re always tough, but we are in the best place to tackle those challenges when we get there.

“I’d love to be able to race in the Tour de France in my career and to be competitive at the highest level of cycling. In what capacity that is, I’m still to find out, but I’m loving the journey.”