A few other notable events on the calendar include three days of the RideLondon Classique in May and the long-anticipated Battle of the North. The inaugural six-day stage race in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden was set to start in 2021 but was postponed due to the pandemic. In early March, the women will kick off their WWT season with Strade Bianche and will, in theory, have a lot more WWT race days in 2022 if all goes according to plan.
So, with all that epic racing to look forward to—who is riding for whom? As always, the transfer market was in full swing at the end of last year, and you’d be forgiven for missing a few of the big moves that happened prior to the 2022 season. Thankfully, we are here to keep you up to date! So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the riders hoping to spread their wings with a new team or kick-off their WorldTour careers under some of the sport’s finest banners.
Lotte Kopecky leaves Liv Racing for SD Worx
One of the biggest shuffles prior to the 2022 season was the jump from Lotte Kopecky (arguably one of the strongest riders in the peloton) from Liv Racing to SD Worx (arguable one of the strongest teams in the peloton). Everyone is expecting great things from the Belgian national road race champion with her new squad. Thanks to Kopecky’s outstanding sprint capacity and immense power on flat and short hills—she should fit in well among the likes of Demi Vollering, Christine Majerus, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak, and Kata Blanka Vas.
Marlen Reusser also joins SD Worx
Another killer signing for SD Worx is the 2021 standout talent, Marlen Reusser. With six of her 12 professional wins happening last year (including the European Championships time trial, a stage in the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta where she finished second overall, as well as both road race and time trial titles of Switzerland), she is poised to continue cultivating her already very impressive reputation.
Grace Brown says goodbye to Team BikeExchange and prepares to take her next step with FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope
2021 also held an incredible season for Grace Brown who has been marching towards increased prominence over the last several years. With wins at Brugge-de Panne and the opening stage of the Vuelta a Burgos under her belt, she joins the likes of Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, Marta Cavalli, and Emilia Fahlin as they look to take on more wins in 2022.
Hannah Barnes separates from her sister and moves to Uno-X
A mainstay in British cycling—when one of the Barnes sisters makes a jump, people pay attention. Despite having an impressive 12 victories to her name, 2021 meant less time in the limelight for Barnes who is likely hoping to recapture some of her former glory with a new team at her side. If all goes according to plan, she’ll be playing a starring role on Uno-X in 2022 where she’ll be in good company alongside fellow Brits Olympic medallist Elinor Barker as well as World Hour Record holder Joss Lowden.
Coryn Labecki (née Rivera) joins Jumbo-Visma
Coryn Labecki will be joining Jumbo-Visma in 2022 from DSM on a two-year deal. The American talent said she is looking forward to her continued development and a new way of working. Indeed, she is well-positioned for her success. In 2021, she won her first Giro stage, qualified for the Olympic team, managed podium finishes at the Tour of Norway and the Vuelta. An excellent sign for Jumbo-Visma!
Other notable signings for 2022
- Lizzy Banks made a surprise departure from Ceratizit-WNT that will see the British talent racing with the American outfit EF Education-TIBCO-SVB in 2022 and 2023.
- Trek-Segafredo stuck to their method of scooping up the top promising newcomers and confirmed a three-year deal with Elisa Balsamo in August.
- Alexis Ryan will depart Canyon-SRAM after six years to race for the expanding L39ION of the Los Angeles women’s team in 2022.
- Australian up-and-comer Sarah Gigante will move from TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank to Movistar.
- It was only a matter of time before Cuban rider Arlenis Sierra signed a contract with a top-tier team, and the lucky squad is Movistar.
All things considered, you can bet there will be some surprises as this year’s WWT gets underway! We are thrilled to see the blossoming of so much talent as the women’s peloton continues to exceed expectations. May the best team win!
