EF Pro Cycling is pleased to announce that Esra Tromp will be the general manager of the new EF Education-Cannondale team, which will hit the road in the 2024 season. The team will enter the sport at the UCI Women’s Continental level.
Tromp spent eight seasons as a professional cyclist. In that time, she earned her university degree in business economics. She then managed the Women’s Continental Team Parkhotel Valkenburg for three years, before she became the manager of Women’s WorldTour team Jumbo-Visma; a program she built from the ground up. At EF Education-Cannondale, she will take on the same challenge.
“When starting a new team, it usually starts with the staff and a few riders you think will be a great fit with the new environment,” Tromp said. “I build a team around the talent of the riders and the knowledge and strength of the staff. These are the things I keep in mind when trying to create a balanced group of riders and staff with different personalities, different characters, and different talents. That’s how you build a team. It takes some time but I think it’s one of the most beautiful processes.”
The Dutch former professional cyclist recognises there are special obstacles when starting a new team, but she also appreciates the opportunities that arise with such a unique undertaking.
“Of course, there is a challenge to make this team from zero, to really build it. It’s brand new and there’s no history so it’s a blank page to fill in. And that is something I really like,” she admitted.
As she begins to shape the EF Education-Cannondale team, Tromp will keep both short-term and long-term goals at the forefront of her mind.
“Next year, the main goals are to be really visible within the races and to build a cohesive group of riders and staff. We want our team to be visible, to be out there, and of course to try to win races. Beyond 2024, I think this team definitely has the potential to be one of the best teams in the world, a squad that is capable of winning races in all kinds of circumstances and different race types, whether it’s the Tour de France, the Giro, or the Tour of Flanders.”
Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of EF Education-EasyPost knows what it takes to build a new team. He recognises the qualities within Tromp that will serve EF Education-Cannondale well.
“We welcome Esra to the team and we’re looking forward to working with her,” Vaughters said. “She has a very deep understanding of the women’s peloton and the talent pool across the sport. She understands women’s racing very, very well. Her knowledge and leadership will set our new team up quickly with a great foundation to build on.”
Tromp explains that EF Pro Cycling’s identity was part of what initially attracted her to the team.
“I think it’s really cool that EF Pro Cycling is a little bit different from other teams,” she says. “This is a team that combines fun with a highly professional environment. There’s thinking outside of the box here and that’s something I really like to do as well; being creative, being flexible, even being a bit different than normal. I’ll join a few of the men’s races in the upcoming months to really see what this team is all about, its atmosphere, to really feel and see it with my own eyes.”
After eight seasons as a professional rider and another six as a team manager, the sport continues to stir a deep enthusiasm in Tromp.
“Cycling lets you explore. You can explore and see the world on your bike and I think that’s something really cool. It’s a way of connecting, whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or a fan of the bike. That’s really beautiful.”
Maria Norrman, president of EF Pro Cycling, shares Tromp’s appreciation of cycling and says that she is an ideal fit for the team’s vision and goals.
“This is an exciting new chapter in the history of EF Pro Cycling and we are thrilled to bring Esra Tromp on board to lead the charge,” Norrman said. “She has a proven track record in the Women’s WorldTour and has already demonstrated that she has what it takes to build one of the best teams in the world from the ground up. Esra shares the same commitment to creating a team that not only races but that also empowers more women and girls to ride. We can’t wait to hit the ground running!”
