The latest rider to leave Zaaf Cycling is Mareille Meijering, who has confirmed to Wielerflits that she has stepped away from the team. After Audrey Cordon-Ragot left for Human Powered Health at the start of April, it has freed up the possibilities for her former teammates. That transfer included a clarification that any Zaaf Cycling rider wouldn’t have to wait until June 1st to be registered at Women’s WorldTour and could join immediately. Zaaf riders are also able to join new Continental teams at any point as previously allowed.
For now though, Meijering will race for the Drenthe-based club team WV De Kannibaal and try to find other opportunities. It means taking a step back from racing at a higher level, but as it was for a team that wasn’t paying her, that is understandable. The Dutch rider should be on the radar of teams that need UCI points to stay in the Women’s WorldTour though. A 10th-placed GC finish at the UAE Tour Women, as well as 10th in the hilly Vuelta CV Feminas, was a good start to the year. More recently, Meijering has finished 14th at Nokere Koerse too.
A strong rider when the road goes uphill, she would undoubtedly add depth to the ranks of many WWT teams, particularly those who need to sneak into 15th place by the end of this season.
“Unfortunately, the adventure at Zaaf did not turn out as hoped and expected. Nevertheless, I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and the wonderful people I have met.”
Mareille Meijering
