Steven Kruijswijk

Steven Kruijswijk was born on June 7, 1987, in Nuenen, Netherlands. He grew up in a family with an interest in cycling and began riding bicycles at a young age. As he grew older, Steven showed talent in cycling and began to pursue it more seriously, which paved the way for his future career as a professional cyclist. Over the years, Kruijswijk developed a reputation as a skilled climber and became one of the prominent figures in road bicycle racing.

In 2011, Steven Kruijswijk made a significant breakthrough in his professional cycling career by finishing 8th overall in the Giro d'Italia. This was a major stepping stone for Kruijswijk as it marked his entry into the higher echelons of professional cycling. During the race, he showed remarkable climbing skills and endurance, particularly in the mountain stages, which helped him secure a top-10 finish. This performance increased his recognition in the cycling world as a formidable competitor in Grand Tours.

Steven Kruijswijk secured 15th place in the 2014 Giro d'Italia. The race was a grueling challenge that saw several fierce competitors, and Kruijswijk demonstrated his capabilities as a strong climber and a resilient stage racer. Despite not finishing in the top 10 like in 2011, this performance solidified his reputation as a consistent and dependable Grand Tour cyclist capable of maintaining good overall standings against some of the best in the sport.

Steven Kruijswijk achieved his first top-10 finish in the 2015 Tour de France, coming in at 7th place overall. This marked a pivotal point in his career, as it was his best performance in the Tour de France to date. During the event, Steven displayed exceptional sustainability and tenacity, managing to hold his position amongst the world's top cyclists. His climbing prowess was again a key factor in his success at this Grand Tour, earning him respect and recognition in the cycling community.

Steven Kruijswijk led the 2016 Giro d'Italia until a dramatic crash during the penultimate stage dashed his chances of victory. He hit a snowbank while descending the Colle dell'Agnello, which resulted in significant time loss and injuries. Kruijswijk had been commanding the general classification and was poised to win before the incident. Despite bravely continuing, his injuries hindered his performance, and he ultimately concluded the Giro in a commendable fourth place. This event was notable for demonstrating his prowess and resilience.

In June 2017, Steven Kruijswijk participated in the Critérium du Dauphiné, an important preparation race for the Tour de France. Kruijswijk showed his determination and form by finishing 10th overall. The Critérium du Dauphiné is known for its challenging routes, providing a good measure of a rider's capabilities. This performance was crucial for Kruijswijk, reflecting his potential ahead of the Tour de France and asserting his status as a consistent performer in the lead up to major Grand Tours.

At the 2018 Vuelta a España, Steven Kruijswijk showcased his consistency and resilience by finishing 5th overall. This accomplishment marked his continued presence as a contender in the Grand Tours. Throughout the race, Kruijswijk exhibited strong performances in the mountains and steady riding, maintaining a competitive position against a field of elite cyclists. His result at the Vuelta underscored his status as a dedicated competitor able to challenge for top positions in multi-week long stage races.

In the 2019 Tour de France, Steven Kruijswijk delivered one of the finest performances of his career by finishing 3rd overall. This podium finish was the pinnacle of his achievements in the Grand Tours. Kruijswijk's performance was characterized by consistency and strength across the diverse stages of the Tour. His ability to maintain a strong standing through the mountainous regions and challenging conditions of the race solidified his reputation as one of the top road cyclists in the world.

Steven Kruijswijk participated in the 2020 Giro d'Italia under challenging circumstances, as this edition of the race was rescheduled to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his participation was cut short after he tested positive for COVID-19, leading to his withdrawal from the race. The pandemic significantly impacted the racing schedule and conditions, with teams and organizers adapting to safety protocols. Kruijswijk's withdrawal highlighted the uncertainties and challenges faced by professional cyclists during this time.

In the 2021 Giro d’Italia, Steven Kruijswijk assumed a support role for team leader George Bennett as part of Team Jumbo-Visma. Kruijswijk played a key role in supporting his team, showcasing his strength and experience as a veteran rider. The Giro was particularly tough, with demanding climbs and strategic stages. Throughout the tour, Kruijswijk provided crucial assistance, ensuring that Bennett had a robust team around him. His commitment and teamwork were vital contributions to the team's overall performance.