Femke Markus has secured a contract extension with Team SD Worx – Protime, keeping her with the team until the end of 2026. Having joined the team in 2023, Markus quickly established herself as a key rider. Her first season saw her come close to winning Paris-Roubaix, though a crash at the Roubaix Velodrome cut her chances short. She bounced back strongly this year, claiming victory at the non-UCI Volta NXT Classic.
Danny Stam, the sports manager for Team SD Worx, praised Markus for her selfless approach to racing, comparing her dedication to that of long-standing teammate Christine Majerus.
“Femke is someone who gives her all for the team. She always puts the team’s interests first. The work she does often goes unnoticed by the public, but we value it enormously. She rides in the lead for many kilometres and is always ready to jump into early breaks.”
Markus’s hard work behind the scenes has made her an essential part of the team, contributing to the overall success of her teammates.
A Vote of Confidence
Markus was surprised when contract renewal talks began earlier than expected, with Stam approaching her at the start of the season to discuss her future. This early negotiation showed the team’s appreciation for her contributions.
“I was surprised that Danny wanted to talk about an extension so soon. It confirmed that I’m in the right place here. I’ve improved a lot since joining the team, and I feel stronger riding alongside such high-level riders.”
Training under expert guidance has allowed Markus to increase her base level and sustain higher paces in races, which has made her an even more valuable asset to the team in her eyes.
Balancing Teamwork and Personal Ambitions
While Markus enjoys supporting her teammates, she has her own goals. She thrives in the role of a team player but also has ambitions to compete for victories in future races.
“I like giving everything for my teammates and would rather see them win than take a good placing myself. But I also have my own ambitions. I’d love to go for the win or a podium spot in a 1.1 or WorldTour race from time to time.”
