The Time Trial World Champion extends her contract with the Team for two more years.
For Ellen van Dijk, the decision to stay with Trek-Segafredo was an easy one.
“I am super happy to stay here. I really feel at home with Trek-Segafredo, and I wouldn’t want to continue my career in any other team,” van Dijk said.
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“In fact, I couldn’t even imagine doing that. I have been part of Trek-Segafredo since they started the women’s team in 2019 and because I have been here since the beginning, I really feel part of it. Everybody always says their team ‘feels like a family’ and I don’t really like using that phrase so much but that is exactly what it’s like here. It’s hard to describe it in any other way.”
In 2022, van Dijk achieved her “ultimate” goal and the support she received from Trek-Segafredo reinforced to her the Team’s ongoing commitment to its riders.
“Since they stepped into the world of women’s cycling, Trek have done such an amazing job in the development of our sport,” van Dijk explained. “They have really set a new standard which a lot of other teams are now following, and I am super proud to ride for Trek and for this team, which really has such good intentions and do so much for women’s cycling.”
“Of course, this year, the Team took another step forward with the Hour Record which was such a special experience. The Team and Trek put so much effort into that and I feel super thankful for everything they did. I was really supported to the maximum and knowing that is a very special feeling. The investment in the production of such a great live show as well made the day so much cooler. Overall, the whole experience really cemented for me, how much the Team values its riders and the willingness to support us 100 percent to accomplish our biggest goals.”
Van Dijk has an already glittering palmarès with World, European and National titles to her name and now, looking ahead to her 18th year in the women’s peloton, her passion continues to drive her.
“I’ve signed for two more years which will take me to 2024 and the next Olympic year so, after missing out on a spot on the Tokyo team, I would love to ride there. I am still on the hunt for the Olympic medal,” van Dijk said.
“Then for sure, I want to continue to excel in time trials, that’s really where my heart lies in this sport, it’s the thing I like the most. Maybe one day I might consider riding around in circles again for an hour, who knows? I also have goals in the Spring Classics of course too and I would say my dream race to win would be Paris-Roubaix. Those are my main focuses for the next two years.”
“I have really enjoyed the last four years with Trek-Segafredo,” van Dijk adds. “I am looking forward to continuing this journey together. I am sure it’s going to be another great two years and I can’t wait for what’s to come.”
Van Dijk has been with Trek-Segafredo since its inception and is an important part of the Team unit explains Team Director, Ina Teutenberg.
“There was no hesitation about offering Ellen a new contract. She has been with us since Trek made their commitment to women’s cycling and she really is one of the core riders of Trek-Segafredo”, Teutenberg said.
“Ellen’s strength on the Speed Concept is, of course, undeniable. She is a champion and although there are not a lot of opportunities to race time trials in the women’s calendar, we know that whenever she rolls of the start ramp, we can be confident she will bring home a nice result.
“This also converts into road racing and Ellen will continue to be a key member of our Classics and stage race squads where she can both support the team and ride for her own results. We know that when Ellen gets onto the front of the peloton, she can make a big impact on the race, but her experience is also a huge advantage to us, and I think she can continue to help our younger riders grow and develop.”
