Building on a strong 2021 season with numerous successes, Team DSM reinforce their Women’s program with contract extensions for Pfeiffer Georgi, Franziska Koch and Esmée Peperkamp. Peperkamp will stay with the team until at least the end of 2022, while Georgi and Koch will race in the team’s colours through the 2023 season.
Still only 20-years-old, Georgi has been with the team upon turning professional in 2019 and has steadily grown as an athlete on and off the bike since then. Learning from those around in her in her opening two years, 2021 has seen some breakthrough performances from the Brit as either part of the team’s lead out train, or when she’s had the chance to go for results as the designated finisher. This was apparent at the recent Simac Ladies Tour where Georgi rode impressively to claim a brilliant sixth place on GC and take home the best young rider’s jersey – impressive results at the highest level of the sport, the Women’s World Tour. Full of confidence and in great form, Georgi took her maiden professional victory at La Choralis Fourmies Féminine after an incredible ride by the team throughout the day on the attack.
Georgi said: “I’m really looking forward to the next two years with Team DSM as there’s always been a strong focus on my long-term development and I’m excited to see how I can continue to grow as a rider with the team. I hope to be part of more victories together, whether that is for myself or any of my teammates and think that I can continue working and developing to become a strong classics and lead out rider.”
Team DSM head of coaching Rudi Kemna added: “Pfeiffer has made really big steps on and off the bike since she’s joined the team. In the last three years since then she has really come out of her shell. The character and personality she has is really important for us as a team. On the bike, Pfeiffer can read races well, which is something that seems to come naturally to her. She’s taken big steps this year in her performances with some good results combined with great teamwork, and she continues to develop in a good way. A good all-round rider who can cope with hard classic-style days in the saddle, we want to keep Pfeiffer’s development broad so that we can help her grow into the best possible version of herself.”
Having turned professional with the team in August of 2019, Koch immediately burst onto the scene taking a spectacular stage win at the Boels Ladies Tour after an impressive sprint from the day’s late breakaway. Still only 21 years old, Koch has developed season-by-season with the team, proving to be a versatile rider who is strong on the flat but can also handle the short and punchy climbs. A team player, she’s also happy to dig in to help the team’s goals and brings that enthusiasm to off the bike.
Koch said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time with Team DSM so far and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey with them. I see a lot of potential to continue my development as rider, but also as person in the team, so I am really looking forward to keep on going with the team and making the next steps in my career here.”
Team DSM head of coaching Rudi Kemna: “Franziska is a talented rider who has already developed and made steps within our team, and we still see a lot of possibilities that she can continue to grow with us over the coming years. A resilient character, Franziska has a brilliant mentality and attitude, and we think that will help take her to the next higher level with the team. She brings a great atmosphere to the group and is happy to get stuck in to help the rest of the team, and we’ve seen that come to fruition with Franziska part of some great results and wins this year. Off the bike, Franziska is also very smart and she’s good in social situations, with the ability to read people well and say the right thing at the right time to help motivate or encourage her teammates, something that’s very important. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our journey with her.”
Starting the sport of cycling relatively late, Peperkamp has found her feet well after joining Team DSM at the beginning of 2021 and has proven to be a valuable team member in her professional career so far. Often found working selflessly at the front of the peloton, helping to chase back the day’s breakaway and setting up the team’s finisher, Peperkamp has settled into the team well while she hones and fine tunes her skills with the help of the team’s experts and coaches. Looking ahead, Peperkamp aims to continue to develop her abilities on the bike with the team.