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Tjallingi extends contract with Rabobank

published 21 June 2012

Dutchman motivated by a further two years with the team

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Dutchman Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) swoops through Central California's rolling topography.(Image credit: Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com)

Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) takes his turn at the front of the break.(Image credit: Mark Johnson/www.ironstring.com)

Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank) during the Dutch National Time Trial Championships(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)

Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank)(Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)

Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank)(Image credit: DCP/Bert Geerts)

One of six Dutchmen to be selected in the Rabobank team for the Tour de France, Maarten Tjallingii has extra cause for celebration having just extended his contract with the team for a further two years.

Tjallingii feels like a winner

Rabobank names Tour de France squad

Tjallingii has been with Rabobank since 2009 and now aged 34, technical director Erik Breukink said that his maturity plays an important role within the Dutch squad.

"He is at a high level and is committed to being there from start of the season to the end," Breukink said. "We've got a fairly young team here, and these young guys need someone who can share his experience with them, who can be of service to them. You can always build on that."

Tjallingii will play a key support role for team captains Robert Gesink and Bauke Mollema during the Tour.

"I enjoy taking a lot of the work off of the team captains' hands and helping them stay fresh for their own work," he admitted.

"It's my job, especially in stage races, to give my all to the team. By doing that, I can help others improve on their performances. Also, the team allows me to focus on the spring classics. This contract gives me the confidence and motivation to go the extra mile."