Belkin have thrown a lifeline to Martijn Keizer who had intended to ride one year as an amateur after being unable to find a new team following the demise of Vacansoleil-DCM. With Belkin in need for more riders, the team has decided to make the Dutch time trial specialist a late signing.

The Belkin Pro Cycling Team contracted a new rider: Martijn Keizer. The 25-year-old Dutchman had a contract with Belgian continental outfit Veranclassic-Doltcini, where he was allowed to leave if a WorldTour team approached him.

“This is a real outcome for us as well as for Martijn,” said Sports Director Nico Verhoeven of the Belkin Pro Cycling Team. “It’s still fairly early in the season, but we already noticed that, due to our busy racing schedule, we could use another rider. In Martijn we found a very strong rider who wanted to help us out. We already considered him last year, but back then we opted for others. Martijn fits well into our team and the way we operate.”

Keizer started twice in both the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España, and managed to finish on all four occasions. In 2011, he finished third in the Dutch national time trial championships.

“Martijn has proven himself in big WorldTour races,” explained Verhoeven. “He will be a valuable rider for our team. He will be a good help for our team leaders on the smaller mountains and, moreover, he will add to the team in team time trials with his time trial skills. We operate as a team and that really suits Martijn.” 

Martijn Keizer Keizer is very pleased with the chance the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM gives him.

“This is a great opportunity and super cool,” the Dutchman stated. “After Vacansoleil-DCM folded, I thought about retiring. In the end, I decided to become an amateur and give my all for one year in order to return to the pro ranks. I didn’t expect to make it back this quick. I look forward to helping the team this year.” 

Ideally, Keizer will make his debut for the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM in this weekend’s Classic Sud Ardèche and the Drôme Classic.