Canyon-SRAM Racing has announced that it has extended its contract with Alena Amialiushik through the end of 2022. The five-time national road racing champion in Belarus is in her seventh year with the Women's WorldTour team and her tenth as a professional.

Her racing career had been in question earlier this season with thoughts of retirement, but she said the contract extension was the culmination of three major factors: consistent results on the road, growth in a stable team environment, and avoiding major injuries.

"At the beginning of the year I thought it might be time to call it quits, but during the season I realized I wasn't ready.

"I'm happy with the 2021 season. I can finally say that I am back to my level where I can compete against stronger players and that gives me even more power and confidence. Winning in Belgium was a breath of fresh air and I am hungry for more success."

At the Lotto-Belgium Tour in June, Amiariusiku won his first individual overall in three years, thanks to a late attack in the 137km second stage; in July, he made his third Olympic appearance, winning the road race at the European Championships and the ITT at the World Championships in Flanders In July, he made his third Olympic appearance and continued his momentum with top-10 finishes in the road race at the European Championships and the ITT at the World Championships in Flanders.

"In the last two seasons, I haven't had any major crashes or serious injuries. Being able to train, race, and rest regularly without rushing back from a broken bone or feeling like I'm always behind in fitness has been an advantage for me," said the 32-year-old. 'I also have a fresh, happy head on my shoulders. A sense of peace that allows me to focus completely on my preparation and racing."

Amiariushik began racing as a junior in 2006 and won a double bronze medal in the elite road event at the national championships the following year; in 2010 he was crowned national champion and won a silver medal for Belarus at the U23 road race European Championships.

After spending her first three professional seasons with BePink and the Velocio squad, she began racing for Canyon-SRAM Racing in 2016 and has called it home ever since, along with Tiffany Cromwell, whose contract was just renewed through 2023. The two are the only two riders left on the team since its debut in 2016.

"I'm one of the originals," says Amiariusik. 'People who know me understand that I'm the type of person who loves stability. I have found a good team that supports me 100% as a person and an athlete. I don't think there is a better team for me, so I don't think I will look elsewhere."

Amialiushik will return to training at the end of November after a rest period at his home in Belarus. His goal for next season is the Spring Classic.

"I am really looking forward to the Spring Classics. Especially Strade Bianche and the Ardennes. But of course, being part of the team selected for the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift is also a clear goal."

Canyon-SRAM announced in August that it will establish an eight-member openly recruited development team for 2022. Amiariusik said she is proud to be part of the team, which will pave the way for talent from countries where there is not enough talent in the women's professional peloton.

"We are very excited and happy about the expansion of the team. It's a big step for us, but a very important step for women's cycling. 'I'm proud to be a small part of what will be a big team next year. This is a project that will help the future of many talented riders and also let the many young riders who dream of becoming professional cyclists know that there is a way to do it."