Making the step up to the WorldTour with the team in 2022, Jonas took a string of great results in the U23 ranks with victory at the European Championships in 2020 and a fantastic ride to secure Paris-Tours Espoirs in 2021.
Unfazed by the step-up, Jonas had previously competed in some WorldTour races with his former team, so he was relishing the opportunity to get stuck into them again in 2022. A series of strong performances found themselves coupled with periods of bad luck and injury for Jonas; but the season is something that he is ultimately proud of when he looks back on it.
“I had a year with some success, but also a lot of setbacks which at times was challenging, but all in all then I think it was a good season. Especially when you look at the difficulties, I think I managed quite well, and I’m really motivated for the coming season. It was also great to have the support of my family and the team through those tough moments.”
Casting back to his youth, Jonas was born into the sport with his family cyclists, but it was also something that he loved anyway from a young age. A competitive and active child, he did “basically any sport” which including skiing, running, football and handball to name a few, but touring sports had always piqued his interest. Cycling was the one that came most naturally to him and with his family’s involvement it was easier, plus it was the sport he had the “most fun and success in.”
That love for the sport hasn’t abated yet with Jonas still enjoying that “touring” aspect of cycling where you can go wherever and whenever you want to explore new places. He also loves the amalgamation and gaggle of personalities and characteristics you find within the peloton.
“I also like the diversity of racing itself but also in cycling you meet so many different types of people and they have so many different areas of expertise and personalities. They have different strong sides – some are great climbers, great sprinters – it’s just such a diverse sport and not one size fits all in cycling.”
Intelligent and considered, Jonas would describe himself as “thoughtful”, “relaxed” and “long-term.” He enjoys mechanical and engineering-based things, and that analytical style and approach is something he thinks he “really contributes to the group”. Moreover, he’s a “go-getter” who is always up for a new challenge and takes every day as it comes and as a fresh chance for new opportunities – something that helped him in those more challenging periods.
“I would say to my younger self; just enjoy the process and have fun along the way. Work hard every day and you will get what you deserve.”
Looking to the coming year Jonas hopes that the bad luck is behind him and that he can continue to make those steps which saw him come “quite close” to good results in 2022, and that he can be up there to help the team win races: either if that is him or one of the other guys.
Away from the bike you can find Jonas socialising with his friends and family who he loves spending time with; and interestingly he is also a twin. Maybe less interestingly, or more (you decide!), Jonas loves bananas and says that he never gets tired of eating them and can have them in any form.
