The newly formed UCI women's team aims to give riders under the age of 23 a chance to compete in the elite peloton in 2020. The program's operator, Pave 76, has set a goal of developing female riders and becoming one of the top teams in the world in five years.

"We want to get the best out of our riders, but we also want to emphasize that education and relevant work experience are very important," said founder Servais Naven, the 2001 Paris-Roubaix winner. [With partners like Watersley Sports and Talentpark, and others to be announced, we are able to offer our riders the best possible environment to grow not only as riders, but also as professionals off the bike in work and education. Five years from now, we want to be one of the best women's teams in the world."

The team will also offer a three-tier program starting with juniors: the APB Junior Development Team, a U23 club called the Watersley R&D Cycling Team, and the newly formed UCI U23 Women's Team.

The UCI U23 women's team includes former junior world champions Rozemarijn Ammerlaan (Nedo), Eva Jonkers (Nedo), Cathalijne Hoolwerf (Nedo), Charlotte Kool (Nedo), Shari Bossuyt (Bell) Britt Knaven (Belle), Emily Wadsworth (UK), Rhona Callander (UK), and Julia Borgström (Sweden) will participate.

Pave 76 will soon announce the official name of the UCI U23 women's team.

"Currently, there is no real development for the women riders. These women go off the deep end at age 18, and many never make it past the gauntlet." The transition from junior to elite is difficult, not only on a physical level, but also on a mental level.

"With the Pavé76 project, we don't look for immediate results. We offer a step-by-step growth plan tailored to each athlete. Everyone has potential. It is our job to bring out the best from every rider."

The team will partner with Watersley Sports and TalentPark founder Joop Petit. The riders will be offered living and training facilities at Watersley Sports and TalentPark in Sittard.

"We want to give young athletes from many sports the opportunity to become the best at Watersley," Petit said. 'We offer accommodation for long and short term stays as well as many facilities like a gym and top notch nutrition. We believe in growth and that is why we are very happy to partner with Pavé76."