Karolina Perekitko will continue to wear the colours of Winspace Orange Seal until at least the end of 2027, after agreeing a two-year contract extension with the French team. The 26-year-old Polish climber has impressed in her first seasons with the squad, earning the trust of team boss Jean-Christophe Barbotin as she continues to rise through the European racing ranks.
Perekitko’s journey with Winspace Orange Seal began on 20th January 2024, making her debut at the Trofeo Felanitx-Colònia de Sant-Jordi in Spain. Since then, her steady performances have made her a key figure, highlighted by two top-20 finishes at last year’s Vuelta Feminina by Carrefour.es and consistent results throughout the calendar.
Reflecting on her new contract, Karolina Perekitko said:
“I’m very happy to have been extended by two years. The team gives me confidence. Personally, it’s the best team to help me grow. I have a lot of freedom. Together with the staff, I can choose which race is best suited to me. We’re a good team and we all want to progress.”
She also underlined the importance of the team’s support in allowing her to realise ambitions that were previously out of reach:
“I’d like to thank all the sponsors who have given me a chance since last year. It’s an important step in my career. Before, I couldn’t show my talents because I wasn’t doing these races. I’m so grateful to them for believing in us. Thanks to this support, we can take part in the Tour de France Femmes with Zwift, one of my biggest dreams.”
Perekitko’s 2024 season served notice of her growing reputation. She finished 2nd at the Respect Ladies Race Slovakia, 2nd in a stage at the Tour de l’Ardèche, and secured 3rd at the Women Cycling Pro Costa de Almeria. Additional top results included 5th at Alpes Grésivaudan Classic, 6th at GP Eibar, and more recently, 3rd overall at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour, 7th at the Trofeo Palma Femina, and 14th at Brabantse Pijl.
Winspace Orange Seal’s team manager, Jean-Christophe Barbotin, praised her development and commitment to the team’s goals:
“Karolina Perekitko gives us a high-performance team. She’s part of the project. We need to be with her over the long term. With her results, she pulls the group up. She guarantees us good places in the mountain stages. That’s very important. In sporting terms, she’s at the top of her game. We’re now going to try and support her mentally and in her race tactics. These are all elements that will help her to win races. She’s able to race with the best in the world.”
Already a rider capable of competing with the strongest climbers in the peloton, Perekitko’s extension marks a clear statement of intent by both rider and team. The coming seasons promise to bring further opportunities for the Polish climber to leave her mark at the highest level.
