Elena Cecchini and Roxane Fournier will defend the colours of the SD Worx Cycling Team in 2021. The last couple of weeks DS Danny Stam contracted both riders and believes that they can make a step towards the world top in professional women’s cycling. With signing both riders the team becomes stronger in the basis.
The Italian Cecchini (28 years) signs a contract for two years and is meant to strengthen the team in the spring classics. “I have been following Elena for some years now”, says Stam. “In my opinion she is a very good rider who hasn’t shown her true potential yet. She achieved some good results in the classics, and also in multistage races like the Thuringen Rundfahrt which she won. Besides that, she has a good race instinct. Elena has been with the same team for the last five years. A new team with a different staff, atmosphere and approach could work very motivating for her to set new personal goals.”
Elena Cecchini was surprised when she received a phone call from Stam during the Corona Lockdown. “In these uncertain times and without races you don’t expect to get offered a new contract with a new team. I have taken some time to consider the offer. After five years with the same team isn’t easy to leave the familiar surroundings of my present team. On the other hand, I am sure that this is the right step for me. The Boels-Dolmans team has been for years the best team in women’s cycling. Meanwhile they have been at the top with many different riders. That proves that the team has a strong and good structure and staff. I am very proud that this team has asked me to join them.”
Cecchini also likes the way of racing of the current Boels-Dolmans team, of which SD Worx will be the new title sponsor from next years. “They always rely on their own strength and try to create possibilities for themself. It is also great to race side by side with Anna van der Breggen. I hope to learn a lot from here. I applaud the move of both Van der Breggen and Blaak to become part of the staff from 2022 onwards. This team has been on the forefront of innovations in women’s cycling the last couple of years. This is a new and positive step in the further development of our sport. It feels good that these two top cyclists can help me further with my career.”
Besides Cecchini, the French rider Roxane Fournier will also join the SD Worx Cycling Team in 2021. Danny Stam sees in her an ideal rider in the sprint train for Jolien d’Hoore. Besides that, he regards her fast enough to go for own chances in certain races. Fournier signed a one-year contract.
“It was a big compliment for me that the best team in the world asked me.” Says the 28-year old Fournier enthusiastically. “This is the first time I will ride for such a strong team. In support of Jolien I am sure to be of value for the team. Besides that I hope I can make some tactical steps in my career with this transfer. This team always rides very aggressively. I think I can be of value in an escape. With my sprint I have a weapon, this gives the team also a tactical advantage. I strongly believe that being surrounded with world class riders such as Van der Breggen, Blaak, d’Hoore, Pieters and Cecchine, amongs others, I can learn a lot and make progression.”
Earlier this year the SD Worx Cycling Team already extended the contracts with Anna van der Breggen, Chantal Blaak, Amy Pieters, Lonneke Uneken, Jolien d’Hoore, Christine Majerus and offered a new contract to Anna Shackley.