In April, it became known that Leerdam will not continue in the big team Jumbo-Visma. After some time in the thinking box, the Dutch superstar has now made up his mind.
– In the last two months I have struggled with a lot of doubts and dilemmas. I have tried to imagine myself in different structures, she reports on Instagram on Ascension Day.
– This week I was on the verge of making a decision. And quite frankly: It was a 50-50 situation. I compared each situation to an individual venture. A venture with people I believe in. And I couldn’t ignore the feeling.
Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam takes the net by storm. Video: Løkås/Haarstad. Clip: kristinfosnes / Instagram – juttaleerdam / Instagram
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The feeling she’s talking about is that she’s going to push herself towards the Olympics in 2026. This happens a week after reports emerged that she wanted to sign for Team IKO.
This is a Dutch team led by Erwin and Martin ten Hove – and Erik Bouwman.
Leerdam confirms that she was close to signing, but that is not the case. She has several WC and EC golds in sprints, but lacks Olympic gold. The Olympics in 2026 is the big goal.
– An individual path is not always fun. It often causes stress and is sometimes lonely. But if you win, it’s worth it. The risk is high and the reward is high. It gives me energy, says Leerdam.
– If it doesn’t work, at least I followed my heart.
Jutta Leerdam has not delivered as she herself wanted so far this year. But soon another WC is on its way. Video: Jutta Leerdam/Instagram, Skingen/Dagbladet TVsporten
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With the decision, many suitors will be disappointed. Leerdam has great commercial value with 4.3 million followers on Instagram.
She also bet individually in 2020 – before she signed for Jumbo-Visma two years later.
Privately, she has a high-profile relationship with influencer and boxer Jake Paul.
Skating legend Sven Kramer in Jumbo-Visma recently said that Leerdam had received a new offer, but that he disliked her response.
– We had a clear plan for the collaboration. But we didn’t feel the same determination and commitment to the collaboration that we believe is important for success on her part, Kramer told De Telegraaf in April.
Jutta Leerdam has quickly become one of the world’s most popular athletes. Video: Jutta Leerdam / Instagram
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– To everyone reading this: Don’t forget to follow your heart, writes Leerdam on Instagram.
– We respect the decision, says Team IKO in a statement.
