Lisa van Belle will make her debut in the colours of Team SD Worx-Protime at this week’s La Vuelta Femenina, completing a mid-season transfer from Velopro-Alphamotorhomes to the Dutch WorldTour outfit. The 21-year-old has signed a deal through to the end of 2026 and is set to be part of the team’s line-up in Spain from day one, diving straight into one of the biggest stage races of the calendar.
“This is a dream transfer,” Van Belle said. “I didn’t think I could join the top road team at this young age. The confidence expressed in me by the team management strengthens me tremendously. I can learn a huge amount here.”
Van Belle’s early-season performances for Velopro-Alphamotorhomes were modest on paper but showed potential. She finished 12th at the Midwest Cycling Classic and 26th at Scheldeprijs, while gaining valuable experience in top-level races like Brugge–De Panne and Trofeo Marratxí–Felanitx. Her consistent form and track background convinced SD Worx-Protime to bring her in early, filling a gap in the roster created by Chantal van den Broek-Blaak’s pregnancy.
“She is a team player, but also a real winner,” explained sports director Danny Stam. “She’s shown her potential on the track, and we’ve had success developing riders with that profile before. I think Lisa can become much stronger on the road, and the sooner we start that process, the better.”
Van Belle’s track credentials are already elite. She won bronze in the Madison at the Paris Olympics with Maike van der Duin and claimed European gold in the same discipline last season. Her strength in the Madison has revealed a rider with tactical awareness, endurance, and punch, all qualities that translate well to the classics and sprint stages.
Despite debuting at a WorldTour stage race, expectations are low-pressure. “We won’t put any stress on her in Spain,” said Stam. “This is an intermediate race for us, perfect for Lisa to learn the dynamics of our squad in a high-level environment.”
Van Belle echoed the team’s developmental focus. “It’s a great way to experience how the team operates and get to know the riders and staff. I’ll try to dedicate myself as best I can to the others, especially Anna van der Breggen. I’m convinced this is a race I’ll come out of stronger.”
