Human Powered Health has bolstered its one-day Classics squad with the addition of experienced racers Maëlle Grossetête and Romy Kasper. Both riders bring a wealth of WorldTour experience and versatility to their new team.
Grossetête, a French all-rounder, joins Human Powered Health after a six-season stint with FDJ – SUEZ. She expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating her desire for a new challenge and a fully international team environment. Grossetête has had notable finishes, such as second place on the opening day of the 2021 Simac Ladies Tour and a 13th-place finish in this year’s Ronde van Drenthe. The 25-year-old is also set to be the second French rider on the team’s 2024 roster, alongside Audrey Cordon-Ragot.
Kenny Latomme, the team’s Performance Manager, underscored Grossetête’s importance to the team, particularly in race finales. Latomme mentioned that she could not only support the team but also aim for her own results. Grossetête herself highlighted that bad weather and technical roads don’t deter her, and earmarked races like the Tour de France Femmes and Paris-Roubaix Femmes as significant goals.
Romy Kasper, on the other hand, brings an unparalleled depth of experience, having raced at the top level since 2008. The German rider was keen to join Human Powered Health, a team she’s observed growing over recent seasons. Kasper has competed in every women’s Paris-Roubaix, six Giro d’Italia Donnes, and multiple World Championships, among others. Primarily serving as a road captain, Kasper has raced for successful outfits such as Boels–Dolmans, Alé Cipollini, and Team Jumbo-Visma in the past.
Latomme confirmed Kasper’s role as an essential figure for the Classics and lead-outs, noting her ability to relieve stress and pressure from teammates through her guidance. Kasper herself enjoys this leadership role, emphasising her skills in race-reading and positioning as strong suits. She also mentioned her fondness for the challenge presented by races like Paris-Roubaix Femmes, stating that the event helped extend her career.
Both Grossetête and Kasper also have interests outside of cycling. While Grossetête is studying for a diploma as a physiotherapist, Kasper stressed the importance of movement, mindset, recovery, and fuel in a racer’s performance, knowledge gained from her 15-year career.
Human Powered Health expressed its delight in welcoming both riders, indicating that further announcements for their 2024 roster are yet to come.
