In a move that underscores the burgeoning talent in women’s cycling, Team DSM-Firmenich has announced the extension of contracts for key riders Pfeiffer Georgi, Charlotte Kool, and Franziska Koch. These extensions not only reveal the team’s long-term investment in women’s cycling but also spotlight the riders who are increasingly becoming the linchpins of their squad.
Pfeiffer Georgi, the 22-year-old British talent, has evolved from a promising young athlete into a tactically astute road captain. Her ascent culminated in a WorldTour level win at Classic Brugge–De Panne this year, among other accolades. From her early years as a professional in 2019, Georgi has demonstrated an ability to adapt and grow, attributes that the team’s head coach, Rudi Kemna, believes will see her challenge for top spots in future classics.
Franziska Koch, another prodigy who joined the team in 2019, has been a versatile asset. At the age of 23, Koch has showcased her prowess in different terrains, from flat roads to punchy hills. Her endurance and skill were highlighted in the Tour de France Femmes 2022, where she led for an impressive 140 kilometres. Koch’s potential lies not only in her physical capabilities but also in her mountain bike background, making her a natural fit for races with rougher terrains like Paris-Roubaix and Antwerp Port Epic Ladies.
Charlotte Kool, who joined the team in 2022, is the squad’s main sprint finisher. Her debut season saw her claim a staggering 11 wins, including her first La Vuelta Femenina success and a string of victories at the Baloise Ladies Tour. Despite her relative newcomer status, Kool’s synergy with the team and her rapid development has been noteworthy, setting her on a path for more wins in the coming years.
The team’s philosophy extends beyond merely targeting victories. It prioritises the holistic development of its riders, an ethos reflected in the riders’ own statements. Georgi and Koch both cited their personal growth and the team’s role in their maturation as key reasons for renewing their contracts. Similarly, Kool emphasised the harmonious fit between her and the team, underlining how this relationship has propelled her career forward.
Head Coach Rudi Kemna’s remarks cap the sentiment of forward-thinking and holistic athlete development that Team DSM-Firmenich embodies. His belief in the young riders’ capacity to grow further and challenge for the top spots in the most gruelling classics and sprints marks a bold vision for the future of the team and, by extension, women’s cycling.
