Canyon-Slam and Zwift announced that Maud Oudman has been selected as the female winner of the 2021 Zwift Academy Road Program after a week-long final selection process held in Majorca. The 18-year-old rider from the Netherlands will join the Women's WorldTour team on January 1, 2022.

"I can't believe it. When I heard the name of the winner, I had so many emotions. Most of all, I was proud of what I had accomplished; I was proud that I had enrolled in Zwift Academy and started this journey dreaming of making it to the Finals. I was proud of my bag full of experiences from the finals that I brought back to the Netherlands. It's been a great week, but also a tough challenge," Oudman said in a team press release on Sunday. 3]"It feels unreal to be a Zwift Academy winner. It truly is a dream come true, I can't wait to race for Canyon-SRAM Racing and I really want to continue to learn, improve, and help the team as much as I can next year."

The Zwift Academy program began in partnership with Canyon-SRAM in 2016. The academy gave amateur riders the chance to train with the team, prove themselves worthy of competing at the top level, and then try to earn a contract to race in the professional ranks.

Udemann is the sixth winner of the Zwift Academy, following Neve Bradbury in 2020, Jessica Pratt in 2019, Ella Harris in 2018, Tanya Ellas in 2017, and Leah Thorvilson in 2016.

This year's Zwift Academy saw more than 150,000 riders participate in the structured workouts held during the eight-week program. This was the sixth time the global online talent search competition offered riders the opportunity to sign a one-year contract with Canyon-SRAM.

This year, the men's and women's Zwift Academy Finals were combined and held in Majorca. Five athletes each from the men's and women's competitions challenged both Zwift and local climbing on a daily basis. Australian Alex Bogna won a professional contract with Alpecin Phoenix for 2022.

According to a team press release, Woodman excelled in daily training, earning multiple "Rider of the Day" awards.

"I must say that all of the Zwift Academy finalists were at a very high level. All of the girls displayed traits and talents that indicated they were ready to be part of a team. Canyon-SRAM leader Kasia Niewiadoma said, "It proves how seriously the riders are taking this opportunity provided by Zwift and the team to become professionals."

"What was great about Maud was that she was able to be herself throughout the week. She was very strong in all the workouts and challenges, but she had a better attitude on and off the bike and when she was in riding mode than race mode.

"I am confident that she will hit it off with her new teammates very quickly next year. My advice to Maud is to just be herself. She is doing very well so far. The year will be full of surprises and challenges, but I feel she is ready for them."

In addition to returning Canyon-SRAM riders Niwea Doma, Brandberry, and Harris, Woodman is joined by Tiffany Cromwell, Alaina Amialiushik, Chloe Dygert, Alice Barnes, Elise Shaby, Mikayla Harvey, Lisa Klein In, and newcomers Pauliena Royjackers and Soraya Paladin (Liv Racing), Shari Vosuit (NXTG Racing), and Sarah Roy (Bike Exchange).

"Maude's determination was impressive. She fights hardest when heading for the finish line and then is able to unleash the final kick at the end of each challenge. For a young player, Maude was very consistent throughout the week. In all the challenges the finalists faced, she never had a bad day. I think Maud can play to her strengths in many races next year and I look forward to seeing what we can do together," said Racing Performance Manager Lars Teitenberg.

"Maud's determination was impressive. As she headed to the finish line, she fought the hardest and then could unleash the final kick at the end of each challenge. For a young rider, Maud was very consistent throughout the week. In all the challenges the finalists faced, she never had a bad day. I think Maud will get plenty of opportunities to play to her strengths next year in many races." We look forward to seeing what we can do together.