Marit Raaijmakers has committed to Human Powered Health Cycling, extending her contract through 2025. The 25-year-old Dutch all-rounder, who joined the team in 2022, has proven to be an essential part of the squad, particularly in her role within Daria Pikulik’s sprint lead-out train. She finished as runner-up in this year’s Vuelta CV Feminas and has participated in all three Grand Tours since joining the team.
“I’m honoured to continue,” Raaijmakers expressed. “For me, it’s a sign of respect and appreciation. I have been around from the start of Human Powered Health and we started with just soil. Slowly the grass started growing and now becomes greener.”
Reflecting on her journey, Raaijmakers remarked, “When I signed with the team I was 21 and came from a complete Dutch team. In the past three years, I experienced many different cultures and personalities. An American team with so many nationalities from different continents has allowed me to broaden my horizons which I will be forever grateful for. The trips, travels, and people made it special and I look forward to creating more history.”
Team Manager Kenny Latomme has also been vocal about Raaijmakers’ contributions and potential. “We are still learning the full capacity of Marit,” he noted. “This year she has been at the hilly races in Spain, climbing, doing lead-out and TTs and we’re asking her to go full gas. These are crucial in stage racing and she’s good in all of those disciplines, a very good helper and she always gives her best for her teammates.”
Raaijmakers, who has developed her skills from track cycling, will focus entirely on road racing in 2025. “At the moment I’m an all-round rider on the team,” she explains. “I do the last lead-out position, I do hilly classics, I support GC riders in the mountains, and I have a decent time trial. But now, with complete focus on the road, I’m all in on pushing the limits of my potential even further.”
Her long-term commitment is grounded in her belief in the team’s vision. “If grass elsewhere looks greener, it’s probably fake,” she stated. “It’s about fertile soil for long-term success. I believe in this team’s vision and plan and want to be around for the harvest.”
