Susanne Andersen (NOR)
Since joining Team Sunweb in 2019, Andersen has really settled into the team’s way of working and has steadily developed over the two years. A fast and punchy rider herself, Andersen has taken several top ten finishes when riding for the result, including an impressive fifth place in De Panne and sixth at the European Games in 2019. Finding her feet in the classics and developing into a good road captain, Andersen is also an important lead out rider in the team’s sprint train, where she’s been an integral member of Lorena Wiebes’ two wins in 2020.
Andersen said: “I am really happy to extend with Team Sunweb for another year. I have kept on developing as a rider this year, but since it has been a different and unusual season I haven’t been able to show that. I am hoping and looking forward to showing my progress next year in the races, especially in the classics. It has also been exciting working in a new role as a road captain in some races and doing my part in the lead out. It’s been great being a part of some great results and teamwork this year, and I am sure next year will bring even more.”
Team Sunweb coach Hans Timmermans continued: “Susanne is still young and technically this would have been her last year as an U23 rider. She’s getting better and better each year and she’s become more of a classics rider. Susanne is also an important part of our lead out, and she’s developing into a good captain; she’s really good at communicating when on the bike. We think in the future she will be up there in the finales of the classics and we want to continue to develop her as a bike rider but also in her role as a captain.”
Soek has been with the team since 2014 and is an integral part of the team’s successes both on and off the bike. A rider who is devoted to working for others, Soek’s experience is invaluable during the hectic moments in a race. As a road captain the other riders on the team trust her decisions, whether that be positioning for a sprint finale or where to ride in crosswinds. Soek relishes her role within the team and looks to continue to utilise her experience in the coming year, developing as a rider and helping the team to achieve good results on the road.