Elena Cecchini will remain with SD Worx-Protime for another year, marking her fifth season with the Dutch outfit. The Italian rider, who recently clinched the European Mixed Team Relay title, expressed her satisfaction with the contract extension, highlighting her deep connection with the team.
“I feel at home here. I have a good relationship with everyone. We really feel like a team,” said Cecchini. The Italian emphasised how the sense of camaraderie within SD Worx-Protime has contributed to her performance. “I feel a lot of appreciation for my work. I can often give a bit more, just because I know I’m doing it for such great champions. That’s all I could wish for.”
Cecchini, who joined the team in 2021, has evolved into a key figure within the squad, serving as a road captain and offering invaluable support to her teammates. “She sacrifices herself without grumbling,” said sports manager Danny Stam, recognising Cecchini’s influence on both younger riders and the team’s overall success. “We owe several victories to her work. She sees through the course and knows what needs to be done.”
Stam also underlined Cecchini’s role in building team morale. “Elena is an important mood creator. She carries the DNA of this team within her. Next season, her role will be even more significant with a number of new riders joining.”
For Cecchini, continuing with SD Worx-Protime was an obvious choice. “The staff members are also good with each other and derive a lot of pleasure from their work. That reflects on the riders,” she explained, adding that working for some of the best riders in the world is an additional motivation. “You can make that extra effort because you know there is a big chance those champions will just finish it off. That’s the best reward.”
Looking ahead, Cecchini has her sights firmly set on the Paris 2024 Olympics, crediting the team for supporting her ambitions. “I owe a lot to this team. I definitely wanted to go to the Olympics one more time, and this team helped me get my selection for Paris 2024.” Cecchini also spoke about her long-term vision, expressing her desire to end her career with SD Worx-Protime. “This is a special team that suits me perfectly and where I want to end my career in the long run.”
