Get ready for some exciting news in the world of cycling! The Tour de France Femmes is about to get even more intense with a major team shake-up.
Pauliena Rooijakkers, the talented 32-year-old Dutch cyclist and podium finisher from the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, has just signed a two-year contract with UAE Team ADQ. But here's where it gets controversial... Rooijakkers is leaving her successful team, Fenix-Deceuninck, to join forces with UAE Team ADQ, a move that has sparked curiosity and debate.
In a bold statement, Rooijakkers shared her reasons for the switch, highlighting the professional structure and clear ambitions of UAE Team ADQ. She praised their strong leadership, including the likes of Elisa Longo Borghini, and their unwavering focus on winning. "The team's vision and attention to detail convinced me that this was the perfect next step for my career," she said.
And this is the part most people miss: Rooijakkers sees herself as a versatile rider. While she's ready to support the team's leaders, she also aims to showcase her strengths, particularly in mountain stages. Her primary goal for the upcoming season is to be a reliable teammate in the biggest races, such as the Giro and the Tour.
With Rooijakkers on board, UAE Team ADQ is poised to become a formidable force in the GC and stage racing arena. They'll be a serious contender against the dominant teams like Visma-Lease a Bike and FDJ-Suez in the Tour de France Femmes. And let's not forget, they'll also have an extra ace up their sleeve in the Giro, with Rooijakkers joining forces with this year's winner, Elisa Longo Borghini.
But here's the real question: Is Rooijakkers' move a strategic masterstroke, or is she taking a risk by leaving a successful team? Will she be able to balance her individual ambitions with the team's success? Share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting development in the world of women's cycling.
