The bond between Karlijn Swinkels and UAE Team ADQ grows even stronger. After her first two seasons with the team, the 26-year-old Dutch rider has signed a contract extension with the Emirati team through the end of the 2028 season.
Winner this year of the Trofeo Oro in Euro in Montignoso and recently second at the Grand Prix de Wallonie, which she won a year ago, Swinkels represents another key piece of both the present and the future foundations of UAE Team ADQ, which continues to consolidate its roster by confirming its most valuable riders.
“For me, it was a very natural decision,” said Karlijn Swinkels. “Here I feel at home, and the trust and support I receive from the team really make a difference. Working with my coach Luca Zenti has taken me to a new level, and the atmosphere with my teammates is special: we are truly willing to give everything for one another. This motivates me to keep pushing and makes me believe that with UAE Team ADQ I can achieve my dream of winning a Classic and stepping onto the podium of a Monument.”
The team’s contribution over the last two seasons has been crucial for Swinkels’ career: “Even though this is only my second year with the team, I already feel how much I’ve grown. This team has guided me to a higher level with great support in races and top-level equipment provided to us. Racing alongside such strong teammates has given me confidence both as a rider and as a person. At the same time, this season I’ve experienced both sides of cycling: being in top form and on the podium, but also dealing with some physical issues. In those moments, having the physiotherapist and the technical staff by my side was essential. They helped me recover quickly and return to my best shape, and that shows the strength of the team behind the scenes.”
The Dutch rider, who first rose to prominence as a Junior by winning the 2016 ITT World Championship, is now an experienced and mature athlete, but still with a dream to chase: “My biggest dream is still to win one of the Classics and to step on the podium of a Monument. Personally, I want to keep improving every year, both in my personal results and in the support I can provide to the team in the most important races. With the guidance of Luca Zenti, the support of the staff, and the environment we have here, I believe these goals are realistic.”
Karlijn Swinkels now has three more years ahead of her wearing the UAE Team ADQ jersey, a choice that demonstrates how strongly she believes in this project: “I truly believe this team can become the best in the world. We already have the talent, the structure, and above all, the spirit. The fact that 11 different riders from our team have won races this season says a lot about our strength and our environment. With everyone pushing each other and with the right guidance and support, I’m convinced UAE Team ADQ will continue to grow and reach the top of women’s cycling.”
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team ADQ, stated: “In just two seasons, Karlijn Swinkels has carved out a key role within our team. With her personality, dedication, commitment, and all her qualities, she has earned the trust of her teammates and the staff and has become a very important rider. Over these two years, we have seen her grow and take on more responsibilities, and we are confident that together we will continue to raise the bar in the years to come.”
(ph. @facepeeters)
