De Groot has been involved with the Jumbo-Visma Development Team since its inception. "It was a project that had been on the team's mind for some time. Halfway through 2019, it gained momentum and we were able to approach riders for the first batch. We started looking for talents and race results were not the critical factor. Talent is a broad concept and goes beyond just victories or good results."

"Meanwhile, two years have gone by and seven riders have already transitioned to the professional peloton. That does not mean we can sit back and relax. We continue to perfect our way of working and our scouting. Using this approach, we are building a training path that has potential and enables riders to distinguish themselves."

For De Groot, transferring riders to the pro peloton is not the primary goal. "The most important thing for us as a development team is that a rider improves in different areas. If that rider develops from the level he is already at, then the chances of success are pretty good and the transition to the pro ranks will follow almost automatically. This is because we try to bring in riders who already have a high level. As a team, we have to create the conditions for the riders to improve. Of course physical training, tactic development and knowledge about nutrition get attention, but there is more to it. It is a combination of different areas that must lead to an increase in the rider's level in the broadest sense of the word."

"It starts with the rider having to be open to it and wanting to learn all those things, which is about character traits and personality. The rider should have a personality that allows him to open up, learn and become better. With that mindset, there are a lot of opportunities. For one rider it goes faster than for another, but wanting to become better and work on it every day is essential. That is where it all starts and the reason why we want to know a rider before taking him into our team. We do that, for example, by taking guest riders along during training camps. That way, we get to know that person up close and better get to know each other. Those experiences are important and therefore an important factor in that choice.”

"Our team's philosophy is to facilitate a gradual transition towards the World Tour. Examples of that are the Young Team Jumbo-Visma programme and the buildup of selections in certain races. Guys from the development team occasionally race together with the pros to give them a taste of the higher level. Conversely, we sometimes send pros on the road with the development team. Just look at Gijs Leemreize in last year's Ronde de l’Isard. We looked at what Gijs needed to show and distinguish himself at that moment. That worked out well and meant a huge boost for Gijs."

The team De Groot will be working with next year is a mix of guys from different years in the Under-23 category. First-year riders are newcomers Jesse Kramer, Tijmen Graat, Per Strand Hagenes and Colby Simmons. The other riders have been part of the Jumbo-Visma Development Team for some time. Rick Pluimers, Lars Boven, Archie Ryan and Owen Geleijn have been riding in the yellow and black since the development team's first season in 2020. "It's a nice mix of different years", De Groot continues. "At the top, some riders have transferred. Mick and Tim van Dijke and Michel Hessmann are part of the World Tour team but are still partly part of the development team."

"We have to deal with different layers in the development team. We have a group of riders who are going to prove themselves, like Rick, Lars and Owen. In addition, we have a group that moves from the starting level in the development team to the top of the development team. Think, for example, of Loe van Belle and Johannes Staune-Mittet. Below them are the four new riders brimming with ambition, energy and talent. We see them as rough diamonds that are already making huge strides. This mix of guys is going to make each other stronger and I'm looking forward to helping guide that process."

"When putting together our race calendar, we look at the level of races. We like to have a mix of U23 races and races at 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2 levels. That way, we make sure that everyone races at his level and everyone will be challenged. That means racing on as many terrains and in as many pelotons as possible. That is also why we ride in France, Slovenia, and Italy. We don't just stick to races in the Benelux. We are also specifically looking for a time trial race because that discipline is essential for Team Jumbo-Visma.”

"It would be foolish if we didn't keep developing and adapting our development programme. How can we get better and push ourselves to take new steps? The basis is there. Think of process-based work, personality development, nutrition and training. These are fixed anchors in our education programme. Even within those frameworks, we constantly look at what we can improve. The challenge always continues, which suits Team Jumbo-Visma. We stand for innovation and a constant search for opportunities to get better. That is a great strength of our organisation and that way we can continue to distinguish ourselves."