Team Picnic PostNL have announced two key signings for their 2026 women’s squad, with Audrey De Keersmaeker and Gaia Masetti set to strengthen the team across both one-day and stage races. Belgian rider De Keersmaeker has signed through 2027, while Italian Masetti joins on a one-year deal.
Audrey De Keersmaeker: from swimming pool to peloton
De Keersmaeker’s journey to the professional peloton has been anything but conventional. A former competitive swimmer and national-level powerlifter, she turned to cycling only a few years ago after winning the reality TV competition Koers zoekt vrouw during the Covid-19 lockdown. That victory earned her a first contract in cyclocross, before she made the move to road racing in 2024 with Lotto Dstny Ladies.
Over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old has steadily developed into a promising all-rounder, showing consistency and aggression in her racing. Her 2025 season included ninth at the Volta NXT Classic, 13th at Brabantse Pijl, and several strong rides at the Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées, where she placed seventh on the opening stage and ninth on stage three.
“What really drew me to Team Picnic PostNL is the structure and the guidance,” said De Keersmaeker. “It’s a professional environment that matches my mindset – organised, ambitious, and always improving. I still feel new to the peloton, so I’m discovering what kind of rider I truly am, but I’ve learned that I love the tougher, more selective races. The Ardennes classics especially motivate me. My goal is to keep developing with the team, give everything in support of my teammates, and become the best version of myself.”
Head coach Rudi Kemna described her as a natural fit for the team’s racing style. “Audrey races with initiative and positivity,” he said. “She’s aggressive, versatile, and never afraid to attack. We see her playing a big role in the Ardennes and other hilly races, as well as in breakaways. She’ll bring real energy and intent to our group.”
Gaia Masetti: experienced road captain joins from AG Insurance-Soudal
Italian rider Gaia Masetti arrives from AG Insurance-Soudal, where she has spent the past three seasons. The 23-year-old from Sassuolo is best known for her solo victory at La Classique Morbihan in 2023, alongside podium finishes at Dwars door de Westhoek and GP de Plumelec-Morbihan.
Masetti’s 2025 season was focused largely on supporting her teammates in major WorldTour races, though she also posted seventh in the Italian national time trial and raced strongly in the early-season Tour Down Under.
“I’ve always admired how Team Picnic PostNL riders race as a unit,” said Masetti. “There’s a sense of togetherness and purpose that’s clear in every race. I’m excited to join that environment and contribute however I can. I still feel I haven’t reached my full potential, and this feels like the perfect place to grow. I’m determined, consistent, and I always commit fully to the team’s goals. Off the bike, I like to bring positivity and good humour – I believe a strong team spirit is what drives great performances.”
Kemna noted that Masetti’s leadership and experience will be crucial. “Gaia brings excellent tactical awareness and natural captain qualities,” he explained. “She has the experience to guide younger riders in the biggest races and the strength to be competitive herself in tough one-day events. She’ll be a key presence for us in both the spring classics and the hillier races.”
With both signings, Team Picnic PostNL continue to shape a roster built on depth, development, and collective strength – combining youthful potential with proven professionalism ahead of the 2026 season.
