Team SD Worx-Protime signs key rider Rachele Barbieri

Team SD Worx-Protime has signed Rachele Barbieri until 2028. The 29-year-old Italian will strengthen the lead-out train. Barbieri hopes to return to her best form at Team SD Worx-Protime and take her career to the next level. The Italian won the Mediterranean Games on home soil last August. “Rachele will play a key role in the sprint train for Lorena Wiebes,” emphasises sporting director Danny Stam.

Rachele Barbieri had been on Team SD Worx-Protime’s radar for some time. The Italian riders within the team, Elena Cecchini and Barbara Guarischi, also indicated that Barbieri could be a valuable addition to the squad.

Danny Stam: “Elena Cecchini is retiring at the end of this season, and Barbara Guarischi is now 35 as well. Rachele has been signed with an eye to the future. She is set to fill the gap when Barbara eventually retires too, and will then become Lorena Wiebes’ new lead-out rider. We’ve already seen her perform strongly in this role for Charlotte Kool. In the women’s peloton, there aren’t many riders who can set up a sprint effectively. Rachele is one of the few who has mastered this task and can therefore be of great value to our team.”

Rachele Barbieri says that Team SD Worx-Protime has been her dream team throughout her entire career. “I still can’t believe I’ll be riding for this iconic team next year. This is a huge opportunity for me. The team’s DNA is a perfect match for the kind of rider I am.”

“I’m a rider who always gives my all for my team-mates. I’ve evolved from a lead rider into a rider who helps others achieve the best possible result. So when my team-mate wins, I feel immense joy. A victory like that is down to the whole team and the staff. Certainly at Team SD Worx-Protime, it’s obvious even from the outside that there’s a real family atmosphere within the team. A great working environment helps you to push yourself and go beyond your limits for your team-mates.”

“I’m really looking forward to playing a part in the lead-out train for the world’s strongest sprinter. I can’t imagine a better mentor than Barbara Guarischi. There has never been a better lead-out rider. Being part of the same lead-out train as Barbara and Lorena Wiebes is a dream come true. I was also in Livigno when the Tour de France team were there on an altitude training camp. I trained with them for a day and everyone was incredibly friendly. It really motivates me to know that I’ll soon be working with such strong riders.”

“Of course, I’ll primarily play a role in the sprint team, but I want to be a good support rider for any team leader. I made that clear straight away during my first interview. I want to develop into a road captain, where my efforts can help the team achieve its objectives.”

“The last three years haven’t been my best seasons. I’m certain that I’ll get back to my best form as part of Team SD Worx-Protime. I thrive in environments where there’s a close bond between the riders and the staff, and where you have the freedom to combine track cycling with road racing, for example. I believe that track training makes you a stronger road cyclist,” says Barbieri, who became world champion scratch in 2017 and will be competing again at the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai this October after a three-year absence.

“My gold medal at the Mediterranean Games was a real boost. I can’t wait to embark on this adventure with Team SD Worx-Protime. I’d also like to thank Elena Cecchini for the faith she’s shown in me. I’m going to work incredibly hard to get into the best shape of my life and to repay the team for the trust and the opportunity they’ve given me.”