Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women has bolstered its squad with the signings of Imogen Wolff and Viktória Chladonová, two young riders set to wear the team’s signature yellow and black for the next three years. Both athletes, with a strong background in cyclocross, are eager to embrace the challenges of competing at the highest level in professional cycling.
Wolff, an 18-year-old from Britain, is set to make her debut this Sunday at GP Fourmies and expressed her excitement about the move. “I am super happy that I get to ride for the team in the coming years. Ever since I became a professional cyclist, I have dreamed of riding for one of the best teams in the world. It’s a huge moment for me that I’m looking forward to.”
She added, “I hope to learn as much as possible in the coming years, both on the road and in cyclocross. I like the challenge of making the step up to the professionals and riding new races. I hope I can learn a lot in the peloton during the races and eventually grow as a rider to a very high level.”
Wolff was clear that the team’s focus on rider development played a big part in her decision to join the squad. “When I first spoke with the team, it was quickly clear that a lot of attention would be paid to my development. They had a clear plan for the coming years, without much pressure and with room to learn. This appealed to me.”
Photo Credit: Ján MelicherMeanwhile, 17-year-old Slovakian rider Chladonová, who recently claimed the world junior mountain bike championship, is also looking forward to her new journey with one of the top WorldTour teams. “The development opportunities the team offers for young talents fit my future perfectly. It allows me to combine my favourite discipline, cyclocross, with road cycling.”
Chladonová reflected on the significant change that comes with moving from a smaller family team to the WorldTour. “I’ve been riding for a small family team for the past few years, and then to now join one of the biggest WorldTour teams will be a big change for me. I’m looking forward to riding for the team in the coming years, and I’m excited to have been given this opportunity.”
The Slovakian rider also harbours aspirations to race in the sport’s biggest events. “I’m looking forward to being part of professional cycling, meeting new people, and learning what it’s like to ride on a WorldTour team. It would be great if I eventually also get the chance to start in races like the Tour de France Femmes or the Giro d’Italia Women.”
Team manager Rutger Tijssen is enthusiastic about the potential of both riders. “Imogen and Viktória have achieved very good results in the past years. We want both riders to slowly grow to WorldTour level. Above all, we expect them to grow and discover what they are good at. The big results are less important in the first years.”
Main photo credit: Ghilardi
