Team NewCold sets sights on new season and ‘26 Olympics

Twenty athletes from Team NewCold gathered at Papendal for the start of the new winter sports season, among them is Kimberley Bos, who will be defending her World Cup title.

The group representing the Dutch Sliding Federation (BSBN) includes one luge, seven skeleton, and twelve bobsleigh athletes. Aside from defending her World Cup title, Bos aims to win a medal at the World Championships at Lake Placid. The team also has its sights set on the 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The bobsleigh athletes will debut in both the women’s and men’s World Cups.

Technical director Joska Le Conté, who also serves as Kimberley Bos’ coach: ‘‘We see progress throughout the team. We have set clear requirements for the physical standards that athletes must meet, which we assess through sprinting, weightlifting, and both high and long-standing jumps. These physical benchmarks are minimum requirements, and some athletes have left the team as a result. Although the team is slightly smaller than last year, we are now at a higher level.’’

Ivo de Bruin, the national bobsleigh coach, added: “The men’s team is improving steadily, and we’ve found two new brakemen for the women’s team. Thanks in part to NewCold’s support, we’ve managed to train five times in Winterberg, spent nine days at a training camp in Riesa, and had six days of ice training in Oberhof. I’m looking forward to the new year because as we’ll participate in four World Cups: in Winterberg, Igls, and twice in St. Moritz. We’ll also head to the Youth World Championships in Altenberg, and, if all goes well, to Lake Placid for the World Championships. We’ve strengthened across the board, and I believe we can deliver some surprises along the way.”

Skeleton coach Joska Le Conté is also looking forward to the new season. “The men’s team is making good progress, but they do not yet have enough points to qualify for the World Cups. Still, I think it is a matter of time before we will have a Dutchman at the start of the World Cups as well. And there are also chances of participating in the Olympics in the team event. Kimberley is in good shape. She won the World Cup for the second time last season and her sights are set on winning that prize again but also the world title in Lake Placid. Together with Kristan Bromley, we are also continuously developing the sled. That’s an ongoing process, but the chances are looking promising again.”

Wim Noorman, president of the BSBN said: “Partly due to the cooperation with NewCold, we will be able to use two new sleds in the upcoming year. Pilot Dave Wesselink will be provided with a new Ixent two-man bob while work is also underway on a new two-man bob for Loren Djolo. We will test that one with her first. The arrival of that new equipment and the better physical condition of the entire team gives me a lot of confidence for the new season.”

Bram Hage, NewCold Founder and CEO noted: “Team NewCold’s growth and continued success is a testament to their passion and commitment to continuously improve, innovate and grow. We share these values and are proud to support these athletes as they prepare for the 2026 Olympics.”

Team NewCold 2024/25: