Team SD Worx–Protime aims for a strong overall classification and stage wins in the Vuelta Femenina

Team SD Worx–Protime heads to the Vuelta Femenina with Anna van der Breggen, Lotte Kopecky, Mischa Bredewold, Nienke Vinke, Valentina Cavallar, Femke Markus and Julia Kopecký. Sports manager Danny Stam looks ahead to the first Grand Tour of the season. “We are hoping for a good overall classification and one or two stage wins. Spain is never easy terrain, and this is a very demanding course. The sting is in the tail for the GC riders. We are lining up with a well-balanced team.”

“Anna van der Breggen knows better than anyone how to ride a strong general classification. Last year she finished third in the Vuelta, and we hope to match that result this season. The Angliru is an extremely difficult final climb, but with Anna, you never know. She had a strong Ardennes week and is clearly in good form. Of course, the competition will also be in top shape. It is difficult to predict exactly how things will unfold, but we hope to be able to compete with the very best for the overall classification with Anna.”

“Lotte Kopecky can target stage success. There are several finishes that should suit her well. If she manages to survive certain climbs, she can really enjoy herself in the finale. Those finishes are ideal for her, but everything will depend on how she comes through the mountains. Lotte raced a lot during the spring, so it will depend on how much freshness she still has left in her legs. But a Lotte Kopecky in good form can definitely win a stage here.”

“This Vuelta Femenina may have a challenging route, but there are several opportunities for Mischa Bredewold. There are a number of stages whose finishes are tailor-made for riders like Mischa Bredewold and Lotte Kopecky. If they are able to find each other in the right way, we hope to go for stage success there.”

“Valentina Cavallar will encounter several steep summit finishes in this Vuelta Femenina. She is a climber through and through, and we ourselves do not yet know where her limit lies. This stage race offers her an excellent opportunity to show herself, but she still has a lot to learn. We hope that she takes a step forward in this Vuelta.”

“This is Julia Kopecký’s first Grand Tour. She has shown some very promising things recently. She is a talent, and we hope she can continue on that path. A Grand Tour like this is a great opportunity to further develop and grow. We hope she will be a strong support rider for us in the Vuelta Femenina.”
 

“Femke Markus is an important and reliable pillar in our team as a domestique. You can always count on her. She does a huge amount of work and is often present when a breakaway goes. She takes responsibility and has fully embraced the role of sacrificing herself for others. She receives a lot of appreciation for that.”

“Nienke Vinke is a great climbing talent. Last year she was the best young rider in the Vuelta Femenina and finished ninth in the overall classification. It is great that she is lining up once again for the Vuelta Femenina this year. It will allow her to see how much progress she has made compared to last season. In the shadow of the team leader, she can aim for a strong overall result.”