Pauliena Rooijackers, who just moved from Liv Racing to Canyon-SRAM Racing at the end of 2021, is already feeling a settled hand.

"It's my first year at Canyon-SRAM Racing and I really like the professionalism, the way the training is going and the teamwork of the riders," Reuijackers told Cycling News. I'm really enjoying it and feel like this is my home."

Canyon-SRAM Racing is registered in Germany, but has only one German rider. For the Louisjackers, the international composition of the team is one of the main attractions.

"We have a lot of riders from different countries, so we respect each other, and it's good that everyone can show what they can do. It's nice to see different cultures." I used to always be with Dutch riders, but now I'm one of them. There is a lot of respect on the team and everyone can be who they are. It's nice to know that it's not about me being different or anything like that."

This camaraderie has made Royjackers determined to support his teammates to the fullest throughout the season.

"I want to be in good shape to support my team in the upcoming races like Amstel and Liège," she said. But her focus is on races with long climbs rather than shorter, punchier races like the Classics.

"Part of my role is to be in the final in a hard, hilly race and to support the girls. I want to be one of the riders supporting Kasia (Niwiadoma) and Soraya (Paladin) in the finals."

Last season, Rui Jackers had her best year yet, finishing in the top 10 overall at the Vuelta a Burgos Feminas and the Serratigit Challenge by La Vuelta, and seventh at the Donostia San Sebastian Classicoa.

"Last year I took steps to become a better rider and to get to the top. I think Canyon is a really good team that supports me." I think Canyon is a really good team that supports me. A lot of the riders that are in the finals are riders that can handle the climbs, and for me it motivates me to want to have a good final with them."

In addition to traditional training camps for the upcoming season, the Louisjackers competed in a series of beach races, winning the European MTB Beach Race Championships.

While flat beaches seem like a very different discipline from the mountain races in which the Loijackers excel on the road, the two have much in common.

"You have to push a lot of watts. This is a bit similar to climbing, where you also have to push a lot of watts. You suffer a lot in climbing, and on the beach you suffer to your limits in the wind and sand."