Former American champion Ruth Edwards has signed a contract extension with Human Powered Health Cycling through 2026.
The 30-year-old joined for 2024 and in that time has already racked up a podium finish at Trofeo Oro in Euro, fourth in the Deakin University Elite Women’s Road Race, and a top ten placing on stage 2 of the Tour Down Under.
“When I remember my reasons for returning to the sport, I know now that Human Powered Health was the perfect fit,” she said. “For the love of the chase, to see how good we can be, to support each other not just as athletes, staff, and sportspeople, but also as humans.”
She may have only been on the team for a few months but Edwards has fit in excellently.
“I feel really taken care of and supported here while striving to be better in a supportive and motivating way,” she says. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Now amid the Ardennes Classics, Edwards thrives on the undulating terrain and has been regaining fitness and confidence since coming back from a crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen.
“It’s been a rough spring so far, with a few crashes and sickness but the fact that I feel nothing but support from Human Powered Health is very inspiring to me,” Edwards explains. “I wasn’t sure when I returned if it would be for a year or longer. The fact that despite the rough spring I’ve had so far I want to keep racing is just a true showing of how much I’m enjoying being part of this team and excited to grow with them and help them grow however I can.”
Edwards will be a linchpin as the team begins stage racing and will lead the team at the upcoming Vuelta España Femenina by Carrefour.es.
“My objectives as a rider are to continue to push myself to be my best athlete and with that, I hope I can get strong results among the best.”
Along with Daria and Wiktoria Pikulik and Lilly Williams, Edwards is the fourth high-profile contract extension for Human Powered Health Cycling this spring. General Manager Ro De Jonckere says that this shows the long-term sustainability and growth of the team.
“We are very happy with these contract renewals through 2026, as they fit perfectly in our strategy of building a top-tier women’s team over the next few years,” she said. “Since last summer, we have put a lot of effort into improving our structure and the further professionalization of our team. It is nice to see how this has not missed its effect and the riders feel confident that our team is the right environment for them to reach their full potential.”
You can catch Edwards and the team back in action on Sunday at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
