Elena Cecchini has signed a one-year contract extension with SD Worx-Protime, confirming that 2026 will be her final season in the professional peloton. The Italian veteran, who turned pro in 2011, has been a road captain with the Dutch squad since joining from Canyon SRAM in 2021.
“Initially, I thought 2025 would be my farewell, but I still feel the motivation to continue,” Cecchini said. “The fire is still burning. I want to give it my all one more time – in every race, at every moment.”
Cecchini fulfilled her dream of riding the Paris 2024 Olympics with SD Worx support, and says that milestone gave her the desire to enjoy one more season. “To really enjoy everything one last year, to help the team by being a guide and supporting my leaders in the races,” she explained.
A consistent and selfless presence, Cecchini has raced a full programme of Classics and all three Grand Tours this season. She admitted that conversations with sports manager Danny Stam were pivotal in convincing her not to retire just yet. “We had some good conversations about it, and Danny gave me all the time I needed to make my decision. I felt that this story wasn’t over yet,” she said. “As a top athlete, you lead a privileged life. Once you stop, you can’t get it back. So, I’m happy with my decision.”
Cecchini is realistic about her final campaign. “I no longer have what it takes to win races myself,” she said. “However, we have riders in our team who can win. Only one rider steps onto the podium, but behind her is the work of many. It makes me happy to be part of that.” She added that helping SD Worx win Trofeo Alfredo Binda would be a fitting farewell.
Photo Credit: Cor VosStam praised Cecchini’s influence both on and off the bike. “She has been the perfect example of how a professional athlete should function,” he said. “When she indicated she was considering staying on for another year, we did not hesitate for a second to offer her a contract extension. Her importance to our team’s successes in recent years cannot be underestimated. She has developed into a leader and will be remembered as a pioneer who worked tirelessly to lower the barriers to entry in cycling.”
Cecchini’s palmarès includes three Italian road race titles, two Italian time trial championships, stage wins at Thüringen Ladies Tour, and team time trial gold at the 2018 World Championships. More recently, she has become one of the most trusted road captains in the women’s peloton, guiding SD Worx’s array of leaders through the sport’s biggest races.
