Julie Van de Velde News Update
AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step signs Julie Van de Velde
Cyclismactu has learned that Belgian rider Julie Van de Velde will join AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step for the 2024 season. The 26-year-old is coming off a strong season with Bingoal-Chevalme-Wallonie, where she won the Trophée des Barrages and finished second at the Dwars door Vlaanderen.
She will be a valuable addition to the AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step team, which is looking to build on its success in recent years.
Van de Velde is a versatile rider who is capable of winning races on her own or working for her teammates. She is also a good time trialist, which will be helpful in races like the Tour de France Féminin.
She is expected to be a key part of the AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step team in 2024 and beyond. This is a great signing for AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step and it will be interesting to see what Van de Velde can achieve in her new team.
Julie Van de Velde Cycling Background
Julie Van de Velde, born June 2, 1993, is a Belgian professional road cyclist who currently rides for UCI Women’s WorldTeam Fenix–Deceuninck. She is a versatile rider known for her climbing and time trialing abilities.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Van de Velde’s cycling journey began at the age of 12 when she joined the local cycling club in her hometown of Herzele, Belgium. She quickly showed her talent and progressed through the junior ranks, winning numerous races and championships.
In 2013, at the age of 19, she made her professional debut with the Lotto Soudal Ladies team. She quickly established herself as a valuable member of the team, working as a domestique and occasionally contesting her own chances in races.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won the Flanders Ladies Classic, a prestigious one-day race in Belgium. She also finished second overall in the Gracia–Orlová stage race in the Czech Republic.
Continued Success and National Recognition
Van de Velde continued to excel in 2021, securing second place in both the Belgian National Championships road race and individual time trial. She also represented Belgium at the Tokyo Olympics, participating in the women’s road race.
In 2022, she joined the newly formed Plantur-Pura team, where she played a key role in helping the team achieve several victories, including a stage win at the Tour of Scandinavia.
Recent Career and Future Prospects
In 2023, Van de Velde transferred to Fenix–Deceuninck, a team with a strong focus on developing young riders. She has continued to demonstrate her versatility and competitive edge, placing sixth overall at the Tour of Scandinavia and securing a stage win.
Van de Velde is a rising star in the cycling world, and her future looks bright. She is known for her dedication, determination, and ability to perform at a high level in various terrains and race situations. With her talent, experience, and continued development, she is well-positioned to achieve significant success in the years to come.
Here’s a summary of her notable achievements:
- 2019: Flanders Ladies Classic winner
- 2019: Gracia–Orlová stage race — 2nd overall
- 2021: Belgian National Championships road race — 2nd place
- 2021: Belgian National Championships individual time trial — 2nd place
- 2022: Tour of Scandinavia stage win
- 2023: Tour of Scandinavia — 6th overall
