 In 2000, Traksel showed considerable promise by winning the Under-23 version of the Tour of Flanders and turned professional in 2001 with .In 2002, Traksel's surprise win at the Veenendaal–Veenendaal showed his speed and bicycle smarts.But Traksel's achievements in 2008, highlighted by winning the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen garnered him wider respect in the cycling community.