New three-year term with Telefónica-backed squad

29-year-old Dutchwoman makes her WorldTour spell a long stay, after only 18 months fully committed to pro cycling; will remain with Blues for the foreseeable future following splendid performances.

Movistar Team is pleased to announce Thursday that Mareille Meijering (De Bilt, NED; 1995) has signed a new, three-year contract with the squad managed by Sebastián Unzué. The Dutch rider will thus remain a member of the Blue outfit at least until 31st December, 2027.

In just eleven months as a pro athlete for the Telefónica-backed squad, Mareille has proven to be an example of effort, human values and sporting quality. Getting over a difficult injury during the 2023 season, where sporting uncertaintly led her to the Abarca Sports organisation as the next step in her career, the ‘oranje’ athlete, an Economics teacher at university until the year prior, has impressed with brilliant performances in the early 2024 season.

Winner overall at the Vuelta a Extremadura, as well as the Queen stage in Guadalupe, Meijering shone on the attack at the recent Trofeo Binda and finished 9th against the WorldTour’s best climbers atop Jebel Hafeet, mountain top finish in the Emirati race.

REACTION / Mareille Meijering:

“Since last year, my life definitely changed a lot. From teaching at university, to suddenly quitting completely and going all-in for cycling. Obviously, 2023 was not as successful as everyone hoped it would have been, with injury and sporting difficulties, so the main goal for this winter was to stay health.

“The steps I was able to take over the last few months were a big surprise. Turning into being a helper within the team to winning my first professional bike race two weeks ago is incredible.

“The team just kept believing in me, helped me through this difficult period and gave me all the time and space that I needed to recover. That made it an easy decision when the time came to decide if I wanted to stay.

“You always hear about this team that it’s like a family, but you don’t realize how far it goes to that extent until you’re part of it. The vibe is super good; the riders are amazing, super strong while also being super nice; the staff are amazing, they do an incredible job, and they help you through every step you need.

“So, where’s my goals now? Probably sky is the limit… I think that, if I can build in some consistency over the next few years, there’s a lot of steps I can make. Plus, I believe I can still learn a lot from everyone in the team. Even though I’m almost a grandma (laughs), I sometimes feel like a 20-year-old that is learning from the girls and the staff every day again.”