Rally Cycling announced the signing of climber Clara Koppenburg, who will be on the US team roster for 2021. The company also added Andrew Bajadari as co-director with Joanne Kiesanowski.

Koppenburg, 25, raced in the Ekip Paul Ca this season, finishing second overall behind Anna van der Breggen in the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana before a coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of all races.

Rally called the 11th contract a "last-minute" addition, an opening made for Koppenburg after the German's team met an unexpected end in October. However, a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has delayed the teams' assembly, and cancellations of January races such as the Tour Down Under have delayed preparations for the upcoming season.

"I am very excited and motivated to join Rally Cycling. Can't wait to be part of the team." I can't wait to be part of the team.

She is joined by 31-time US Junior National Champion Katie Kruse, 2019 San Dimas stage race winner Holly Breck, and reigning New Zealand criterium national champion Olivia Ray, New additions to the team, along with Milligan College Cycling Team standout Madeline Bemis, fill the void left by Megan Jastrab's move to Sunweb and Chloe Hosking's move to Trek Segafredo.

Koppenburg's career was jeopardized when Paule Ka, which saved the Bigla Katusha team as title sponsor in June, collapsed when it stopped funding the team in mid-October.

"We were already struggling at the beginning of the year when the coronavirus was really bad, but we were able to get a new sponsor. We were really optimistic and when we resumed racing we did superb. I loved the team, it was a great group and the girls were great. But suddenly in the middle of October I got the news that our new sponsor had also dropped out. I was really sad and disappointed. It was shocking," she said.

The search for a new team at the end of the season was stressful, but the phone call from the new DS Bajadali with an offer came as a huge relief.

"When Andrew called me, it was the longest minute I had ever experienced! When Andrew called me, it was the longest minute I had ever experienced! He said he had talked to the big boss about the budget and I just stood there shaking. And he said, 'I want to sign you. I was so happy [to be honest, I had always told my close friends and parents that I wanted to be on an American team. I'm very happy because I've always been on the outside looking in and really liked Rally Cycling, and I'm not mad at my old team at all. It all worked out in the end."

Koppenburg is a promising stage racer and talented climber who won the 2019 Setmana Ciclista Valenciana last year while racing for WNT-Rotor and was runner-up in the Tour Cicliste Femminine International de L'Ardèche He has.

"I really like stage races. 'With Switzerland so close, I can train in the mountains. The longer and steeper the climbs, the better it is."

"I like to train in the mountains.

In 2021, Koppenburg is aiming for Olympic selection and is also aiming for results in Valencia earlier in the season.

"It's very special," he said. I aim for a perfect 11."