Marit Raaijmakers will remain a fixture in the Human Powered Health set-up after signing a new contract that keeps her with the team through to 2027. The Dutch rider has been part of the squad since 2022 and, in that time, has carved out a reputation as a dependable all-rounder with the engine to support across different terrains and in multiple Grand Tours.
The 26-year-old made clear what the extension means to her. “This team sees the athlete but also the human being behind that. As a rider, you go through a development, but teams also go through development. Looking back at our team four years ago to now is night and day. A team needs cornerstones in the staff and athletes, and I’m proud to be that for Human Powered Health.”
Her consistency has made her one of the longest-serving riders in the current programme. Across three seasons, she has raced more than 20,000 kilometres, often doing the unseen work that underpins team success. That reliability has also brought her into close contact with the Human Powered Health Performance Labs, where she has tested repeatedly and featured in widely shared footage showing the reality of pushing limits.
“Who doesn’t love suffering until you almost faint while having someone yelling in your face to keep pushing,” she joked. “All jokes aside, I love the lab. The support from Stateside is amazing. Not only the technical side, but also from the people. Human Powered Health is a great company with a message I 100% support. ‘True health is self-made’ and having the pillars of performance. It’s a motto I live by and a partner I wear proudly.”
Raaijmakers’ role has steadily evolved. Initially valued for her broad skillset, she has increasingly shown her strength in the mountains, where her ability to support in longer climbs has added depth to the team’s Grand Tour squads. “This year, I surprised many by doing well on the longer climbs. It’s something I would like to focus more on, as I believe it’s an area to develop. We are pretty solid on the sprint/classic side, but for good GC support in the mountains, we can step up. I will definitely give my all for that moving forward.”
General Manager Ro De Jonckere praised her importance to the team structure. “Marit has been a part of Human Powered Health since its inception and has grown alongside the program. She has become an ever-present force in our stage racing squads, and this year has developed in the mountains as a key domestique. A strong team needs a loyal athlete like Marit, and we look forward to continuing to grow with her.”
