Team dsm-firmenich PostNL have officially announced the signing of Silje Bader to their Women’s program. The talented Dutch youngster will make her debut at the upcoming Belgium Tour, donning the team’s distinctive two-striped jersey until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Originally a mountain bike rider, Bader saw her options dwindle due to Covid-19, prompting her to explore road racing. Her transition was marked by an unexpected triumph in the 2021 Dutch national title for novice riders, which spurred her focus towards road racing in the junior ranks. Over the past two years, she has showcased her talent against top competitors, with notable victories at Omloop van Noordwest Overijssel and a stage win at Omloop Borsele Juniors. Additionally, she delivered strong performances at Trofeo Binda Juniors and Gent-Wevelgem Juniors.
The leap from junior to elite racing came in 2024 when Bader joined GT Krush RebelLease, achieving an impressive fourth place in the sprint at Drentse Acht van Westerveld. Her development continued under GT Krush RebelLease’s guidance, supported by Team dsm-firmenich PostNL, leading to her current transition.
Upon joining Team dsm-firmenich PostNL, Bader expressed her excitement, saying, “I was attracted to Team dsm-firmenich PostNL because I believe that with the team, I can develop myself to become the best professional cyclist I possibly can. I’m looking forward to my dream coming true, and I’m excited to race and work with this amazing group of people. After the juniors, I see myself as a more explosive rider with a sprint but together with the team, we will figure out where my abilities lie in the future. Of course, winning is the ultimate end goal but the way that you get there by working with each other together is also something I get joy from. I’m looking forward to getting started with the team.”
Rudi Kemna, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL’s head coach, praised Bader’s progression, stating, “Silje had a very promising few years in the junior ranks and a fantastic start to the 2024 campaign. We had been in close contact with her and through our collaboration with GT Krush RebelLease, we decided it was best if Silje eased the step up to elite racing with them. We’re thankful for the work GT Krush RebelLease have done with her development and are now looking forward to welcoming her into the team fully. As she’s still young, we will look to take things gradually and give her the time and space needed to grow as a rider and person with the team.”
