Canadian cyclist Mara Roldan is set to take a major step in her career, joining Team dsm-firmenich PostNL from the 2025 season, with a contract extending until 2027. The 20-year-old, who previously raced for Cynisca Cycling, expressed her excitement about joining the Dutch squad, having long admired the team and its riders. The transfer became clear once Cynisca released their 2025 line-up and Roldan was not named.
“I am excited to be taking this next step in my cycling career with Team dsm-firmenich PostNL. I have watched this team race on television and looked up to so many of their racers throughout my time as a cyclist,” Roldan explained, recounting a memorable encounter with former rider Leah Kirchman, who visited her Canadian junior team at Watersley. “I have held onto the team kit Leah gave me for two years, and to think that now I get to be a part of this team myself and represent them at the top level still feels surreal.”
Roldan’s career began in 2019, initially competing in national junior events before moving to the elite level in 2023. This season has seen her excel on both sides of the Atlantic, with highlights including two stage victories and third overall at the Redlands Classic, as well as strong results in Europe. She secured a stage win at the Volta a Portugal and placed 14th overall at the Baloise Ladies Tour, demonstrating her versatility across different terrains.
The Canadian talent is eager to develop further under the guidance of her new team. “For the upcoming seasons, my goal is to keep challenging myself and developing my strengths and skills as a racer. I am eager to explore my potential with this team and to have the opportunity to test my all-rounder abilities against the best in the world.”
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna praised Roldan’s progress this season, particularly her time trial and climbing performances. “Mara has proven herself as a strong rider in the American scene this year where she has won races; doing well in time trials and on the climbs. Originally coming from a mountain bike background, she brings those skills to road cycling.”
Kemna also highlighted the team’s plans for Roldan’s future development, noting her potential in the Flemish and Ardennes classics. “Now she looks to be someone who can excel in the Flemish and Ardennes classics where the short climbs suit her abilities, but as she is still young, we want to help her develop overall and in the coming years find out where her specialism lies.”
Roldan, who also claimed the U23 national time trial title in Canada this season, emphasised her mental resilience and adaptability as key strengths she hopes to bring to her new team. “I still have much to learn, but I am confident that with the team’s guidance, mentoring and support, I can continue to grow. The strengths I believe I can bring to this team are my mental resilience and grit, my ability to race multiple different terrains, conditions, and style of races, as well as my positivity.”
