Human Powered Health can confirm its first major contract extension for the 2023 season in the form of American Olympian, Lily Williams. Having first signed in 2020, the rider born in Tallahassee, Florida has gone from strength to strength and is a core member of the Women’s WorldTour roster.

“I’m very happy to re-sign,” Williams said at the start of the week. “Consistency has been key in my success with the team, and the positive environment has made this season a very nice one.”

The American has had a full calendar this season and has proved herself a strong breakaway rider and rouleur having competed in both a busy classics campaign and in week-long stage races like the Vuelta a Burgos, Women’s Tour and Baloise Ladies Tour. 

Never shy of testing her legs, the experience gained in these types of attritional races over the past three years is beginning to pay off. 

“I am a new athlete compared to where I was a year ago, both physically and mentally. My resilience and adaptability have skyrocketed and I can thank the belief from the team for the past three years in making that a reality.” 

The 28-year-old’s road cycling skills development over the past three seasons from classics domestique to crit racer to all-round rouleur is a bright example for any North American athlete wanting to crack the storied code of European racing.

“I feel confident in the bunch and while I am always looking to contribute to a team result it’s been nice to learn the peloton and feel comfortable discussing improvements that need to be made,” the Olympic bronze medallist added.

Now in her third season with the program, Williams has seen the team change a lot in that short time and enjoys racing for more than just results with an increasingly international squad.

“This team is wonderful,” she beams. “Everyone on the team contributes something unique and special and we create a professional environment that is also fun. We trust each other and believe in our mission, which is that healthy and happy people make good athletes.”

Commenting further on the team’s vision, Williams said the riders use it as fuel for their collective performances. 

“Knowing that we are sharing Human Powered Health with a broader audience is motivating for us to enjoy what we are doing. Hopefully, we can inspire others to do the same.”

Williams will be part of the six-rider squad taking on the historic Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starting on Sunday. Read her thoughts on the race in the Northwestern and tune in to the third hour of NBC’s Today Show from 9 am – 10 am EST on Friday, July 22, where Williams will be interviewed alongside the 1984 Tour de France Féminin champion Marianne Martin.