UCI women's squad Team Flexpoint has signed 18 year-old Dutch rider Elise van Hage for the 2008 season. Van Hage is the reigning junior women Dutch Road Champion and narrowly missed out on the Time Trial title this year as well, finishing in second place. "I'm very happy she chose our team," said team director Jean-Paul van Poppel. "She has from her [generation] the most potential; she can win races on both road an track."
Van Poppel believes the youngster will post strong results immediately in the Dutch races she contests, and has high hopes for her future. "I had offers from several teams, but Flexpoint was always my first choice," confessed van Hage. "I think I can learn a lot from an experienced former professional like Jean-Paul van Poppel. He can help me with my goal to become a good pro cyclist as soon as possible."
