Team DSM (formerly Sunweb) announced Wednesday that it has signed Esme Peperkamp to a contract for 2021, adding a new layer to its roster.The 23-year-old Dutch rider just started racing this year, but hopes to move to the Women's World Tour and develop with a top-level team

"I'm very happy to be here.

"I've always wanted to race at the pinnacle of cycling, so racing for Team DSM in 2021 feels like a dream come true. I have always been a fan of Team DSM's approach to cycling and I love their Keep Challenging philosophy and ambition and can't wait to contribute to this," Peperkamp said. [Team DSM is] the perfect place for me because there is a lot of experience and knowledge within the team and a focus on development. I learned as much as I could from the experienced girls on the team and am really looking forward to running with them next year. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I will do my best to maximize my ability and support the team during the race."

Peperkamp raced one full season in 2019 and only a partial season in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and race cancellations. That year she secured 7th place in the Trofee des Glimpse. The team sees her strengths in long climbs and time trials.

"Esme only started cycling a few years ago, but she has steadily stepped up each year. We tested her at the Keep Challenging Center to see what Esmé is capable of on the bike."

"Esme has only been racing in the peloton for a short time, so she needs to adapt to the rigors and tactics required to race at the top level, but she has shown that she is ready to learn. There is no pressure on her to join, she needs to take gradual steps, but with our group of experts, trainers, and coaches, we are confident she is in the best place to do it."

The team includes Colin Rivera, Leah Kirchman, Lorena Wiebes, Liane Lippert, Susanne Andersen, Pfeiffer Georgi, Franziska Koch, Juliette Laboux, Flortje McKay, Wilma Olausson, and Julia Salk, and the newly announced Junior World Champion Megan Yastrab.