Marit Raaijmakers continues one of the longest careers in program history by signing a contract extension through 2027.
The Dutch all-rounder has been part of the team since 2022. Since then, she has racked up over 20,000 kilometers of racing and competed in multiple Grand Tours.
“This team sees the athlete but also the human being behind that,” says the 26-year-old. “As a rider, you go through a development, but teams also go through development. Looking back at our team four years ago to now is night and day. A team needs cornerstones in the staff and athletes, and I’m proud to be that for Human Powered Health.”
Thanks to her longevity, Raaijmakers has made multiple trips to the Human Powered Health Performance Labs. A clip of her post-effort, showing the effort it takes to be a WorldTour athlete, was viewed over four million times last year.
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“Who doesn’t love suffering until you almost faint while having someone yelling in your face to keep pushing,” Raaijmakers exclaims. “All jokes aside, I love the lab. The support from Stateside is amazing. Not only the technical side, but also from the people. Human Powered Health is a great company with a message I 100% support. ‘True health is self made’ and having the pillars of performance. It’s a motto I live by and a partner I wear proudly.”
The team will take a trip to the lab in October, and this is also a chance to compare vital performance data captured in the season prior.
“Being on the team for 4 years makes for a big file of information. I hope returning this year shows improvement in my test results. ”
Raaijmakers has been a consummate all-rounder since joining in 2022 and has developed steadily as a reliable domestique in Grand Tours, thanks to her broad skillset on the bike.
“This year, I surprised many by doing well on the longer climbs,” she explains. “It’s something I would like to focus more on, as I believe it’s an area to develop. We are pretty solid on the sprint/classic side, but for good GC support in the mountains, we can step up. I will definitely give my all for that moving forward.”
Her assistance to the team, often in the background and before the TV cameras tune in, is something that all programs need.
“Marit has been a part of Human Powered Health since its inception and has grown alongside the program,” says Ro De Jonckere, General Manager. “She has become an ever-present force in our stage racing squads, and this year has developed in the mountains as a key domestique. A strong team needs a loyal athlete like Marit, and we look forward to continuing to grow with her.”
Stay tuned for further announcements, renewals and signings as Human Powered Health builds towards 2026.
