Canyon SRAM has announced the contract extensions of two key riders, Maike Van der Duin and Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, securing their positions in the team until the end of 2026. Both riders have shown significant growth and have become vital members of the squad, contributing to the team’s successes on the world stage.
Van der Duin’s rapid rise
Maike Van der Duin has quickly made her presence felt since joining Canyon SRAM, marking her time with the team with impressive performances. Reflecting on her journey so far, she said that from the moment she joined, she felt a strong sense of belonging. She described the team as her “second family” and appreciated the unwavering trust and support she received. “With all the trust and support in good and bad times the team gave me, I didn’t have to think long to extend my contract,” Van der Duin said.
Her first year with the team saw significant progress, including a World Tour podium finish at Gent-Wevelgem within her first three months. This achievement confirmed to her that she was in the right place to develop further. Looking ahead, Van der Duin is keen to continue playing a crucial role in the team, particularly during the spring campaign, focusing on sprint finishes and supporting her teammates in stage races. “The team is so strong that we have more cards to play,” she said, expressing her excitement for the future.
Skalniak-Sójka’s ambitions grow
Skalniak-Sójka also decided to extend her contract, citing the positive environment within the team as a key factor in her decision. “First of all, I feel very comfortable in the team. We have a great atmosphere, everyone is nice and helpful, and we have a good rapport on and off the bike. Everyone believes in success, and I think that’s one of the most important factors,” she said.
Since joining Canyon SRAM in 2023, Skalniak-Sójka has achieved notable results, including winning the sprint classification at the UAE Tour Women and securing a seventh-place finish in the UCI ITT World Championships. Her performances have made her an integral part of the team’s achievements.
Looking to the future, Skalniak-Sójka has set her sights on the podium in key stage races like the Giro d’Italia Donne or the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. “My small dream is to stand on the podium of one of the stages of the Giro or the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift,” she shared. She also highlighted the impact of this year’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on her decision, noting the team’s commitment and belief in success. “This belief motivates us to work beyond our limits,” she added.