Michel Cornelisse joins Team SD Worx – Protime sports management

Michel Cornelisse comes to strengthen the sports management team of Team SD Worx – Protime. The Amsterdam native has signed a contract for 2027 and 2028 with the team. With his arrival, the squad brings in a highly experienced and passionate sports director.

Cornelisse himself was active as a professional cyclist from 1987 to 1999, riding for major teams such as Superconfex, Panasonic, and TVM. Since 2008, he has been working as a sports director in the professional peloton. On the men's side, this included roles at Vacansoleil, MTN-Qhubeka, Roompot, Corendon-Circus, and Alpecin-Deceuninck. Since the Tour de France Femmes in 2022, he has been active in women's cycling. With Fenix-Deceuninck, he achieved great success alongside Puck Pieterse and Pauliena Rooijakkers, while this year he is active for UAE Team ADQ.

“In Michel Cornelisse, we are bringing in a sports director with vast experience,” states team manager Erwin Janssen. “As a cyclist, he was already known as a smart rider. Tactically, he reads races exceptionally well. On top of that, he is known as an inspirer and motivator: someone who stands close to the riders, but is also renowned for his immense drive. In recent years, he has proven his worth in women's cycling. His arrival is a great addition to the team. With sports manager Danny Stam, sports director/coach Christian Kos, and Michel Cornelisse, we will have a strong sports management setup in place for the coming years.”

Cornelisse didn't have to think twice when Team SD Worx – Protime approached him. “I’ve known sports manager Danny Stam since the time he was still a rider himself. At the AXA amateur team, I was even his sports director in certain races, and we also raced together on the track. The family-like atmosphere within Team SD Worx – Protime really appeals to me. That close connection with the riders is exactly what makes me feel most at home. Furthermore, it's a team that always races proactively from its own strengths. It is incredible how dominant this team has been at the top of women's cycling for years. I am proud to be part of that for the next two years.”