VolkerWessels Cycling Team will part ways with two riders at the end of the 2025 season, as Belgian rider Marieke Meert and Dutch rider Anne van Rooijen prepare to move on to new teams.
Meert, 25, confirmed to Het Nieuwsblad that she will not be offered a contract extension with the Dutch continental squad. The rider from Denderbelle only began cycling four years ago and joined VolkerWessels in 2023 after racing with CT Belco–Van Eyck. She described her progress as steady but acknowledged that the team had decided her development was not enough to justify renewal.
“Year after year, I’m making progress, but I still have a lot to learn,” Meert said. “At VolkerWessels, they think the steps I’ve taken in recent seasons aren’t enough. Fortunately, I’ve already found a place with another team. The contract hasn’t been signed yet, but there’s a verbal agreement. It gives me peace of mind.”
Meert also spoke about representing Belgium at the European Championships and the challenge of balancing racing and recovery following the trip to Kigali, where she competed at the World Championships.
Van Rooijen, meanwhile, confirmed via the team’s social media that the China races will be her final appearances for VolkerWessels. After an active ride at Binche–Chimay–Binche, where she spent much of the day in the breakaway, the 24-year-old said she was pleased with the team’s aggressive racing and hinted at the upcoming transition.
“Our plan today was to race aggressively,” Van Rooijen said. “After a few attacks from the girls, I managed to get into the right move. Together with Kirstie van Haaften we built up a nice gap of about 3.5 minutes. Unfortunately, we got caught with two laps to go, and by then, the legs were pretty empty. Still happy to see Maud finish it off with a strong top 10. Next up: China, the last races with VolkerWessels for me.”
Both riders played key roles in the team’s development over the past two seasons. Their departures come as VolkerWessels continues to shape its roster for 2026 following the recent signing of Amber van der Hulst on a two-year deal.
