Talita de Jong will return to Liv Racing Stora in June due to a mid-season contract.

The Dutch rider started out in 2022 with Bingoal Casino Schwarmer Van Eyck Sport, but after two seasons with the Belgian Continental team, her contract expired in February. De Jong initially turned pro in 2012 with the then Rabobank Women's Team and rode for the team for five seasons, winning stages at the Giro Donne and Lotto Belgian Tour before moving to the Lares Waudéals team in 2017.

"After leaving at the end of 2016, I always thought: if given the opportunity, I would definitely accept a comeback," de Jong said. 'I've been in constant contact with team manager Eric van den Boom, we've been following in each other's footsteps, and in February we sat down together to discuss the possibilities.' [Fortunately, now we have the opportunity. It's nice to be back in this comfortable, professional environment.

Under the UCI's mid-season transfer rules, de Jong will only be able to compete in the Rib Stora race starting June 1. Until then, he will primarily race in the Netherlands as a member of the JEGG-DJR Academy and the Dutch national team.

"I have already discussed my program with the JEGG-DJR Academy staff. The races I will run there are very different from those at the World Tour level, but it will be good to experience it," de Jong said.

She will return to the World Tour in early June for the Women's Tour and will join Liv Stora's Stage Racing team, where her contract runs through the end of 2023.

"Together with sport director Giorgia Bronzini and performance manager Wim Stroettinga, I have already put together a great calendar.

"We'll soon be taking part in the Women's Tour in England, which will be a great opportunity for us. After that, if all goes well, there will be a series of beautiful races, including the Giro Donne and the Tour de France Femme. Every racer dreams of it.

Despite not racing for a top-level team since 2016, de Jong has had success in cyclocross and road, most recently winning the Grote Prijs Beerens in October. Liv Stora hopes this will continue in 2022.

"We haven't seen the best of Talitha in the last few years," says sport director Giorgia Bronzini. 'It was very clear last year that after a period of physical inactivity, she has found her way back to the ascendancy. We hope she will develop further in our top sporting environment and become a decisive rider in our team. Talita is versatile and can compete in many different types of races. Combined with her professionalism and drive, she is a very welcome addition."