"It’s not just about the qualities on the bike but the qualities of the person" - Team SD Worx - Protime quiet on rumours of Demi Vollering replacement

With the latest reports suggesting Demi Vollering's transfer to FDJ - Suez can be considered all but officially confirmed, another rumour mill has begun regarding who Team SD Worx - Protime will target to replace the Tour de France Femmes champion.

Names such as Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig have been circulated but in conversation with GCN, Team SD Worx - Protime boss, Erwin Janssen is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding any rumours. "Without Demi we’re also busy and thinking about how to manage being in the best position in the stage races and hilly races. There is, for sure, a position that we want to fill in. It’s really hard to replace her, she’s one of the best riders in the world uphill, and we wanted to keep her but it is what it is," Janssen assesses. "It’s hard to find a good solution to close that gap but we’re busy with that."

When pressed about the Niewiadoma and Uttrup Ludwig rumours specifically, Janssen refuses to confirm or deny. “I never say anything about talking to other riders but they are top riders and we have an eye on them but there are other ones," he answers. "In the next period we have an idea on what our team will look like in 2025. I don’t say we’re talking to anyone but we do look to the market, who is available but also who fits with our team."

"We always look at if the rider fits with the other riders and the staff. It’s not just about the qualities on the bike but the qualities of the person," Janssen concludes. “A few years ago you could manage it with just one or two top riders. Most of the time that was enough but now the sport is bigger and bigger, and there are more and more races. We have around 30% more races, so at the top of our team we need more alternatives."