Three cyclo-cross riders have received a unique opportunity to continue their competitive season with the newly formed Team EKOÏ. This temporary team, part of the Alpecin-Deceuninck organization, will support the athletes from January 1 through February 29, 2024. The inclusion of Ryan Kamp, Lauren Molengraaf, and Hélène Clauzel comes as they were left without teams for the upcoming season, allowing them to maintain their professional pursuits in the sport.
Team EKOÏ aims to provide a structured environment for these riders, who are facing challenges in securing long-term contracts. Kamp is currently ranked as the 19th-best elite male cyclo-cross racer this season, while Molengraaf was not renewed by her previous team, the Charles-Liegeois Roastery CX, which was part of the Wanty organization. Clauzel, ranked 14th, has been competing without sponsorship.
Supporting Cyclo-Cross Talent
The initiative to create Team EKOÏ was explained by Philip Roodhooft, General Manager of the Alpecin-Deceuninck organization. He emphasized the importance of cyclo-cross in their identity as a team. “Despite our growth, cyclo-cross is where we come from,” he stated in a press release. “It is the discipline that shaped our identity. Both Christoph [Roodhooft, co-manager] and I see it as our mission to keep the sport attractive and competitive.”
Roodhooft expressed that the team aims to provide the necessary support for the riders to excel in their sport. “With Team EKOÏ, we want to give three riders the chance to keep fighting for their place at the highest level. They deserve a professional environment, strong guidance, and the right equipment. Thanks to the support of EKOÏ and Colnago, we can offer exactly that through the end of the season,” he added.
A Temporary Solution with Future Potential
The project is described as a “bridging project,” which will allow the three riders to have access to professional support systems, including performance coaching and nutrition guidance. Although Team EKOÏ is explicitly temporary, its effectiveness will be evaluated in February, potentially leading to further opportunities for the riders.
The establishment of Team EKOÏ highlights the ongoing commitment of the Alpecin-Deceuninck organization to nurture talent in cyclo-cross. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on providing essential resources for these athletes, allowing them to compete at their best in a professional setting.
