Steven Kruijswijk (born 8 August 1987) is a Dutch professional road cyclist, who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam Visma–Lease a Bike. Known for his consistent performances in Grand Tours, he is primarily a strong climber and general classification (GC) rider.
Early Life and Career
Kruijswijk was born on 8 August 1987 in Nuenen, Netherlands. He turned professional in 2010 with the Rabobank team, which eventually evolved into his current team, Visma–Lease a Bike.Professional Career
Kruijswijk quickly established himself as a reliable Grand Tour contender and a valuable domestique (support rider) for his team.Grand Tour Performances
Kruijswijk has achieved several notable results in Grand Tours, demonstrating his consistent ability in multi-stage races:- Giro d'Italia: His most iconic performance came in the [[2016 Giro d'Italia]], where he led the race for five stages while wearing the [[Maglia Rosa]] (pink jersey) and was widely considered the favourite to win. However, a high-speed crash on the descent of the Colle dell'Agnello in Stage 19 severely impacted his chances, and he ultimately finished 4th overall. He has also secured other top-10 finishes, including 7th in 2015 and 5th in 2017.
- Tour de France: In the [[2019 Tour de France]], Kruijswijk achieved his best Grand Tour finish, securing 3rd place overall. He has also been a crucial domestique for team leaders like Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard in subsequent editions, playing a vital role in their victories.
- Vuelta a España: He has consistently finished in the top-10 at the [[Vuelta a España]], with a 4th place in 2018 and 6th in 2017.
Other Notable Achievements
Beyond Grand Tours, Kruijswijk has achieved strong results in week-long stage races:- 2nd overall in the [[2011 Tour de Suisse]].
- 3rd overall in the [[2018 Tour de Suisse]].
- 3rd overall in the [[2018 Critérium du Dauphiné]].
Riding Style
Kruijswijk is primarily known as a strong climber who excels in mountainous terrain. His consistent pace-setting and ability to maintain high speeds on ascents make him a valuable asset for his team, whether riding for himself or in support of a leader. He is also a competent time trialist, which contributes to his overall general classification abilities. Despite often being an unflashy rider, his tactical intelligence, resilience, and consistent work ethic have earned him respect within the peloton.Teams
- 2010–2012: Rabobank
- 2013: Blanco Pro Cycling
- 2014: Belkin Pro Cycling
- 2015–2018: LottoNL–Jumbo
- 2019–2023: Team Jumbo–Visma
- 2024–present: Visma–Lease a Bike