SD Worx-Protime under review: Can old stars and late bloomers step up after Vollering’s departure?

Following an incredible spring in 2023, SD Worx-Protime did not disappoint in 2024 either, largely thanks to Lotte Kopecky. The Belgian rider claimed her second career victory at the Strade Bianche's iconic white roads. Her most prestigious win, however, came at Paris-Roubaix — a historic milestone for the team, as it had never before conquered the Hell of the North.

Another key player in 2024 was Lorena Wiebes. The sprinting powerhouse secured her fourth Scheldeprijs win, but her triumph in Gent-Wevelgem stood out even more. With that victory, she once again demonstrated that she is more than a pure sprint star. However, in the spring season, the team struggled in the hilly classics. Unlike in 2023, when Demi Vollering won the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, she fell just short of winning any of these races in 2024.

SD Worx excelled in stage races once again, starting with Lotte Kopecky’s overall victory at the UAE Tour in February. The world champion continued to prove her potential as a stage racer, winning the Tour of Romandie, Tour of Britain, and Simac Ladies Tour — all of which are part of the Women's WorldTour. Kopecky also battled Elisa Longo Borghini for the Giro d’Italia title. After eight grueling days of racing, she ultimately finishing second by just 21 seconds. This marked Kopecky's second podium finish in a Grand Tour, following her runner-up spot in the 2023 Tour de France.

Speaking of the Tour, SD Worx could not repeat their 2023 success. Vollering aimed for her second consecutive overall victory and started off strong. She claimed a surprise win in a short time trial in Rotterdam during stage three, putting herself in a fantastic position as the challenging stages approached. However, disaster struck in stage five when Vollering crashed hard in the finale and had to fight to limit the damage.

In the final stages, Vollering faced the daunting task of closing a gap of over a minute to Kasia Niewiadoma. It all came down to the grueling stage finish on Alpe d’Huez. Vollering launched an all-or-nothing attack. She attacked on the penultimate climb, the Col du Glandon. While she managed to drop Niewiadoma, the extremely gritty Polish rider refused to break completely. In a nail-biting finish on Alpe d’Huez, Vollering came up just four seconds short of claiming her second Tour victory.

Although she missed out on the Tour title, Vollering did win the year’s first Grand Tour — the Vuelta. Unlike 2023, when a poorly timed bathroom break cost her the race, this year she really dominated the race. She continued her Spanish winning streak with victories at the Tour of Burgos and the Basque Country. Vollering also claimed the Tour of Switzerland. All in all, Kopecky and Vollering provided an impressive string of WorldTour-level overall wins.

Our editorial team gives SD Worx a solid 7.6 for the year. The team once again delivered outstanding results in both one-day and stage races. However, the lack of wins in the hilly classics and the Tour de France kept this top team in women’s cycling from achieving a perfect score.

Looking ahead to 2025, the question is whether the team can continue racking up victories. The departure of Demi Vollering to FDJ-SUEZ will undoubtedly be felt. How could it not? The Dutch rider has been the face of SD Worx in recent years and is currently the world’s best stage racer.

Another significant loss is Marlen Reusser. In 2024, the powerhouse all-rounder struggled with the lingering effects of long COVID and contributed little to the team’s success. In 2025, she will be racing in the Movistar jersey. Another notable departure is New Zealand climber Niamh Fisher-Black, who joins rival team Lidl-Trek. Fisher-Black was a key mountain support rider and also capable of delivering strong individual results.

The most obvious reinforcement is Anna van der Breggen. After three years as a team director at SD Worx, Anna is eager to pin on a race number again. She could potentially fill much of the void left by Vollering. The team has also made some intriguing additions. Austrian mountain biker Laura Stigger, the 2018 junior road world champion, is seen as a strong climbing asset.

Similarly, 27-year-old Swiss rider Steffi Häberlin, also from mountain biking, is untested at the elite road level but is expected to perform well in climbing stages. Other additions include 20-year-old Czech time trial talent Julia Kopecky, who may also excel in the classics. Polish all-rounder Marta Lach has been brought in as a replacement for the retired Christine Majerus. The list of newcomers is rounded out by Dutch rider Geerike Scheurs, American sprinter Skylar Schneider, and New Zealand climber Mikayla Harvey.

Incoming: Anna van der Breggen, Marta Lach (CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team), Mikayla Harvey (UAE Team ADQ), Skylar Schneider (Miami Blazers), Julia Kopecký (AG Insurance-Soudal NXTG), Steffi Häberlin, Geerike Scheurs, Laura Stigger

outgoing:Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ), Christine Majerus (retired), Marlen Reusser (Movistar), Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek), Anna Shackley (retired) and Lonneke Uneken (VolkerWessels)

Vollering leaves big shoes to fill. Who could rise to the challenge? Lotte Kopecky has already proven she can compete for Grand Tour victories. In 2023, she finished second in the Tour de France as a domestique for her team leader Vollering. However, taking on the role of team leader herself is different, although she did demonstrate in the Giro that she can also handle the role of leader in a Grand Tour. However, it is doubtful whether she can match Vollering's level uphill. Further specialization in stage races would seem like a prerequisite, but is she willing to give up on the classics?

In 2025, the team will also see the return of a legend. Van der Breggen was an all-time great in stage races and challenging one-day races — the Vollering of her era, if you will. For the 34-year-old, matching her level of yesteryear will be a major challenge, let alone surpassing it. This will likely be necessary, as the level of women’s cycling has significantly risen in recent years.

SD Worx can continue to rely on Lorena Wiebes in sprints. At just 25 years old, she remains a world-class sprinter with many years ahead of her. Hopefully, 2025 will bring her a good number of wins. Blanka Vas has been on the verge of a breakthrough for some time now, often shining in isolated moments, such as a stage win in the Tour and a fourth-place finish at the Olympics. Can she find consistency next year? With her abilities, she could also play a significant role in the spring classics.

Additionally, Mischa Bredewold could step up now that Vollering has departed. Potential surprises for 2025 include Stigger, Häberlin, and Luxembourg’s Marie Schreiber. Despite limited road racing experience, Schreiber impressed this year with a second-place finish in a stage of the Tour de l’Avenir and the young rider classification.

1. Mischa Bredewold
2. Elena Cecchini
3.Femke Gerritse
4. Barbara Guarischi
5. Steffi Häberlin
6. Mikayla Harvey
7. Julia Kopecký
8. Lotte Kopecky
9. Marta Lach
10.Femke Markus
11. Skylar Schneider
12. Marie Schreiber
13. Geerike Scheurs
14. Laura Stigger
15. Chantal van den Broek-Blaak
16. Anna van der Breggen
17. Blanka Vas
18. Lorena Wiebes