Femke Markus extends contract at Team SD Worx - Protime until end 2026

Femke Markus extends contract at Team SD Worx - Protime until end 2026

‘I feel I can still make strides here’

05/09/2024

Femke Markus has extended her contract with Team SD Worx - Protime by two years until the end of 2026. She joined the team new in 2023 and has developed into a regular during that period. In her first season, she was close to victory in Paris-Roubaix until she went down at the Velodrome in Roubaix. Last spring, the 27-year-old North-Holland won the Volta NXT Classic.

Linked cyclists Femke Markus

Sports manager Danny Stam is happy with a rider like Femke Markus: ‘Femke is someone who gives her all for the team. She always puts the team's interests first. In terms of commitment, she can be compared a bit to Christine Majerus, who was also always willing to think in the best interest of the team for years. Indeed, Femke has also been of great value to the team in two years. The much work she does, the general public does not immediately see. For instance, she rides in the lead for many kilometres from the start and jumps along for the early break a thousand times. She does everything to put the team in the most ideal position possible. We appreciate that enormously.’

Femke Markus was surprised that negotiations were quickly initiated. ‘I was surprised that Danny Stam indicated to me already at the start of this season that he wanted to talk about an extension. It gave me the confirmation that I am in a good place here. I have made good strides since I have been riding with Team SD Worx-Protime. I feel that my overall base level has gone up, making it easier for me to set a high pace for an hour at the head of the pack. The directness used here appeals to me. By giving honest feedback, we make each other stronger. The team put me in contact with two trainers and I now also stick to the imposed zones during my training sessions. This is paying off. Also, my level has risen by training with such strong riders.’

‘I feel at home here,’ Markus continued. ‘The spirit of the team also matches how I am in life myself. I like to go through fire for others. Because of the success of the past two years, the outside world sometimes thinks that winning is taken for granted for our team. But that is not true. I like to grade myself away for others. I'd rather be completely worn out from working so hard and have a teammate win, than have a nice place of honour and not win. Of course, I also have ambition myself. My goal for the coming years is to compete for the victory or the podium in a 1.1 or WorldTour race once in a while. I love to be a servant, but winning myself is the best thing there is. That gives so much confidence and motivation. Playing the game with the team, that's what I like to do.’

Back to overview | prochain | next

Read also

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×