The Dutch cyclocross scene has a new player, and it comes with a familiar voice. Former professional cyclist Laurens ten Dam, alongside podcast host Stefan Bolt, have officially launched TEAM BOMBA JOIN, a cyclocross team built around riders Ryan Kamp and Mees Hendrikx. The project, born from the popular Live Slow Ride Rapid platform, aims to inject fresh energy and visibility into a sport they believe has untapped potential in the Netherlands.
The genesis of TEAM BOMBA JOIN was surprisingly swift. Initially, ten Dam and Bolt sought only to provide a lifeline to Ryan Kamp, a former European under-23 champion who found himself without a team. “Initially, we only wanted to lend a helping hand to Ryan Kamp, as he was without a contract,” ten Dam explained, as reported by CyclingFlash. “A week and a round of meetings with our regular partners later, we had built a whole team from scratch. Things can move quickly.” That initial impulse quickly blossomed into a fully-fledged team, fueled by the support of their dedicated online community.
A Dual Focus: Gravel and Cyclocross
TEAM BOMBA JOIN isn’t limiting itself to a single discipline. The team’s riders, Kamp and Hendrikx, will compete in international gravel races starting in April, before shifting their focus to a full cyclocross season beginning in November 2026. The team anticipates participating in twenty to thirty cyclocross races throughout the winter, aiming for consistent visibility and aggressive racing. This dual approach allows for year-round engagement and content creation, a key component of the team’s strategy.
The team’s structure is unique, deeply intertwined with its online presence. Live Slow Ride Fast, the platform built around ten Dam and Bolt’s popular podcast, will serve as the central hub for team coverage. Fans can expect in-depth podcasts, video content, and consistent updates via social media, offering an immersive experience beyond the typical race results. Crucially, TEAM BOMBA JOIN intends to create a direct connection with fans, establishing a team space at select cyclocross races where supporters and members of the KLAK AF! community can interact directly with riders and staff.
The KLAK AF! community, comprised of paying members who support Live Slow Ride Fast, forms the financial bedrock of the team. “We are going to build a team centered around the KLAK AF! community and the content generated by the team itself,” Bolt stated, according to CyclingFlash. “The performances remain important, but the story around them is just as crucial.” This model flips the traditional sponsorship dynamic, with the community directly fueling the team’s operations and receiving exclusive content in return.
Hendrikx and Kamp: Enthusiasm for a New Approach
Both Ryan Kamp and Mees Hendrikx expressed excitement about joining the new team. For Kamp, the opportunity represents a crucial return to competitive cycling after a period of uncertainty. “I’ve been listening to the podcast for years and am also a KLAK AF! member myself,” Kamp said, as reported by Hetiskoers. “The fact that we are now embarking on this adventure together feels very special. It’s not a conventional step, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Mees Hendrikx, a bronze medalist at the U23 World Championships, sees the team as a platform for further development. A key element in his pursuit of improvement is the partnership with JOIN, a training platform founded by former professional cyclist and exercise scientist Jim van den Berg. JOIN will provide personalized training plans based on data and performance goals, aiming to unlock Hendrikx’s full potential. “I think I can really take another step towards next season,” Hendrikx explained, “and I think Jim can contribute significantly to that with his approach. It’s all new, and that’s extra motivation.”
Ten Dam’s vision extends beyond simply fielding a competitive team. He believes cyclocross in the Netherlands can achieve greater prominence and appeal. “We believe cyclocross can be bigger and cooler in the Netherlands than it currently is,” Ten Dam said, as reported by CyclingFlash. “Over the past few years, we have followed the sport closely and told its stories. Now we wish to contribute ourselves with a team that is visible, races aggressively, and above all, involves people in the entire adventure.”
The launch of TEAM BOMBA JOIN represents a novel approach to professional cycling, blending athletic competition with a strong emphasis on community engagement and storytelling. It’s a model that could resonate with fans seeking a deeper connection to the sport and its athletes. The team’s first gravel races in April will be a crucial test, providing an early glimpse into their potential and setting the stage for a highly anticipated cyclocross season this winter.
The team’s next confirmed action is participation in a series of gravel races beginning in April 2026. Specific race details will be announced via the Live Slow Ride Fast platform and TEAM BOMBA JOIN’s social media channels. Stay tuned for further updates as the team prepares for its debut season.
What are your thoughts on this new team? Share your predictions for Kamp and Hendrikx in the comments below!
