While the signing of Tom Dumoulin and the Tour de France team announcement may have dominated Jumbo Visma's training camp this week, the Dutch team is also investing heavily in its future, with the addition of Tobias Foss as its centerpiece.

The 22-year-old won this year's Tour de l'Avenir and solidified his reputation as a rising star with a third-place finish in the U23 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

This former biathlete, who credits Edvald Boasson Hagen and Chris Froome as his childhood heroes, might have stuck with his first love if his goals were a little better, but as Cycling News recently discovered, biathlon's loss is cycling's gain becomes.

Introducing: Fred Wright

Introducing: Jonas Rutsch

Introducing: Carl Fredrik Hagen

Cycling News: How did you get into cycling?

Tobias Foss: I used to cycle a lot with my dad when I was younger, and I was also into biathlon back then. The only problem was that I wasn't a good shot. But at the same time, the local cycling club lent me a bike, and I was interested in cycling as a kid. I wasn't very competitive at first, but once I got on the road bike, I never looked back. If I had been a little better shot, I might still be doing biathlon.

CN: Who were your childhood sports heroes?

TF: My big hero was Chris Froome, but for me it started with Edvald Boasson Hagen. He was my first big idol and then as I got more into the sport I fell in love with Froome. In the winter, Edvald would often come to our cycling club dinners. He would talk to us as a group, but I was really too shy to ask him any questions. At the time, the bike I was supposed to ride was a Scott, and Edvald was on one of them.

Then I got together with Froome and I was one of the heavier riders, although I really liked climbing. He had a similar story, so he became my idol. My dream was to win the Tour de France and he achieved it. This year I won in Lavenir, but I still have a long way to go. But that win made me believe in what is possible.

CN: How did you step up to Jumbo Visma?

TF: The team invited me to their camp about a year and a half ago. They've been following me ever since, and it just felt like a natural progression for me to come here. They also gave me a chance to sign here very early in the season, and that security was important to me. I was lucky to be given the chance. What I like most about this team is that they focus on how to get better and take big steps. Their budget may not be very large, but they spend it really well for what they can provide for the team and each rider. I really like the group of people here and the staff is top notch.

CN: What style of rider are you?

TF: I was 3rd in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and now I am an all-rounder. In one-day races and cobbled races, I'm a bit bigger and have more power, so I can ride well. In stage races I can also climb, but from now on I want to concentrate on time trials and stage races.

CN: What are your goals for your first season?

TF: I won't compete in the Grand Tours in my first year, but I will compete in stage races like Valencia and Romandie. I want to learn a lot as a helper, but I will also have opportunities in smaller races. I am really happy with my program. Also, I recently moved to Girona, so this will be my base for next year. There are a few Norwegian riders in Girona, and Wout Van Aert is one of the Jumbo Visma riders.