Building a stronger team with transfers
Our team has gained strength and depth this season, and I couldn’t be more excited about the tactical opportunities that come with this. One of the biggest changes is having Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig in my corner for the spring classics and stage races. Cecilie and I share a similar racing style, though she has a slight edge in speed, while I tend to perform better on climbs. Together, I believe we can create a partnership that will be as effective as iconic pairings in the past—think Anna van der Breggen and Lizzie Deignan or Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky. With two or three strong riders in the final moments, we’ll have the ability to be unpredictable and play tactical games with our rivals, which is crucial for winning.
Anticipating new team dynamics across the peloton
The transfer activity this season has been incredible, and I see it as another milestone in the development of women’s cycling. With so many strong leaders moving to new teams, it feels like the racing dynamic is about to shift dramatically. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot joining Visma | Lease a Bike, Anna van der Breggen returning to the peloton, and riders like Demi Vollering and Marlen Reusser moving to FDJ and Movistar, respectively, are just some of the changes that will make the season more competitive. Elisa Longo Borghini’s move to UAE, which leaves a leadership spot open at Trek, adds another layer of unpredictability. I think the 2025 season will see more teams capable of winning races, moving beyond the three or four teams that have historically dominated.
Adapting to new team members and shifting strategies
Bringing new riders into a team isn’t always seamless; it’s an adjustment for everyone. Anytime a new member joins, we all have some “homework” to do. Our team has its own set of values and guidelines, like our “no complaints” rule, which keeps everyone focused and positive, even through the hard days. Racing is brutal, and conditions can be extreme, especially at the beginning of the season, so staying positive doesn’t come automatically—it requires conscious effort and support. I love that our team prioritises resilience and doesn’t let negativity creep in. By choosing positivity, we keep the team morale high and support each other through every challenge.
Building team chemistry for stronger performances
Team chemistry is essential, especially when new riders come aboard. Since we don’t choose our teammates, it’s up to us to create a welcoming environment and accept each other’s differences. With around nine or ten nationalities represented on our team, we spend quality time in pre-season camps, bonding through activities and games to connect and understand each other better. The team provides us with resources and support, but it’s ultimately up to us riders to foster a culture of honesty and openness. We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable expressing their goals and needs, and if any issues arise, the team helps us work through them so we’re aligned when the season starts.
Helping new riders find their role in the team
For some riders who come from smaller teams, adapting to our way of working as a cohesive unit can be an adjustment. Often, smaller teams have to fight for every result to gain visibility, but in our team, we focus on collective success. Helping new riders understand this shift and supporting them in finding their place is important to me. Not everyone joins as a leader; many come on board as domestiques or newer riders, so they need time and encouragement to feel appreciated and accepted. I try to spend time with each teammate to help them feel comfortable and confident. Our directeur sportif group also invests in making everyone feel supported and valued within the team.
Expecting new challenges in 2025 with rising talent
I’m really curious about how the 2025 season will unfold, with at least six big riders now representing different teams. This makes me want to train harder and come into the season prepared to play the game rather than being played. As more teams get stronger, it won’t be enough to just show up with strength. Instead, it’s about finding those small percentages—whether in training, recovery, or strategy—that can give us an edge over others.
Beyond my team, I see Visma| Lease a Bike as a fantastic place for young riders to develop. They’ve managed to keep a young roster that keeps improving, and I believe it’s because they allow riders to grow gradually. Women’s cycling is at a very high level now, so it’s not as easy as it used to be to move from junior categories to the pro peloton. But with the right progression, these young riders will be able to handle the demands of elite racing and make an impact in the future.
The importance of team configuration in winning races
Ultimately, having numbers in the final stages of a race is crucial for any team aiming to dominate a season. SD Worx, for example, was so dominant because they had four or five top riders who could each take the win. When you have several strong riders in the last 30 kilometres, it’s about tactical strength rather than just pure power. Next season will be different, though, as many riders want leadership across the board, which might impact their chances of winning as other teams grow stronger and more competitive.
A season full of possibilities
Heading into the 2025 season, I’m filled with anticipation and motivation. The changes within my team and across the peloton are pushing me to reach new levels, and I know I’m not alone in that. With so many talented riders on fresh teams, we’re bound to see incredible racing and intense battles. I can’t wait to start this journey with my teammates and put all our preparation and hard work to the test. Here’s to an exciting year on the road!
