Team Grand-Est Komugi La Fabrique has announced the signing of Belgian rider Fien Delbaere, formerly of Israel Premier Tech Roland, as part of their ongoing recruitment drive for the 2024 season. Delbaere, 27, brings with her a wealth of experience from the WorldTour, particularly noted for her strong finishes in Belgian classics.
Laurent Goglione, president of Team Grand-Est Komugi, expressed confidence in Delbaere’s potential, acknowledging that she had faced challenges but believing she could significantly contribute to the team’s ambitions, particularly in Belgian races. “She took a huge box and since then she’s gone through it. At Israel, they don’t keep her. I think she can have a great season and also open the doors to Belgian classics for us,” Goglione commented to DirectVelo.
Delbaere’s recent performances include a 20th place finish at the Belgian Championship this season, 25th at the Almeria Classic, and 31st in the Antwerp Port Epic. Despite having to abandon the Tour de France on the 2nd stage, she has demonstrated consistent results in Belgium, including a 2nd place finish in the Flanders Ladies Classic in 2018, and respectable showings at the GP Beerens and the Konvert Kortrijk Classic in 2022.
Lucas Leblond, the sports director of Team Grand-Est Komugi, highlighted Delbaere’s importance to the team, especially given her experience which the young team currently lacks. “Fien has the experience that our young team is missing. She had a complicated last season, but we are taking the chance to relaunch her to her best level. She joins us to guide our young roster and also to prove that she still has a lot to offer,” said Leblond.
