Dutch cyclist Quinty Schoens will join UAE Team L’IMAD in 2027 on a two-year contract, marking her debut at Women’s WorldTour level.
The move represents another milestone in Schoens’ sporting career, which has taken her from gymnastics to professional triathlon before an injury led her to pursue road cycling.
Now based in Urmond, in the southern Netherlands, Schoens has established herself as a capable climber and a committed teammate, with several notable performances in demanding stage races.
Her signing will see her join one of women’s cycling’s leading teams as she looks to continue developing her climbing abilities and supporting her teammates.
From professional triathlon to WorldTour cycling
Schoens first discovered cycling while recovering from a back injury sustained during gymnastics at the age of eight.
The sport later became an important part of her development as a professional triathlete, a career she pursued until she was twenty two.
However, another injury eventually forced her to leave triathlon, leading to an unexpected opportunity in professional road cycling.
Reflecting on her journey, Schoens said:
“I could never imagine having another professional sport career. So that I could work all my way up to UAE Team L’IMAD is a dream come true for me, after being in professional sport simply my whole life.”
Despite entering professional cycling relatively recently, Schoens has already gained experience in some of the sport’s most demanding races.
Among her results are eighth overall at the Tour des Pyrénées and sixth overall at the Volta a Catalunya. She also finished 22nd on Mont Ventoux during the 2026 Tour de France Femmes.
Tour de France Femmes holds special memories
The Tour de France Femmes has played an important role in Schoens’ development as a cyclist.
She participated in the inaugural edition in 2022 while still transitioning from triathlon to road cycling. Four years later, she returned to the race with greater experience.
“Riding the first ever Tour de France in 2022, when I had just started cycling as a triathlete, was a memory that I will never forget,” she explained.
“Together with the Tour this year, the amount of people cheering for you along the road is just something special, especially on Mont Ventoux.”
Her performances have also highlighted her preference for difficult races and extended climbs, including the Tourmalet, La Molina and Mont Ventoux.
“The harder the races, the better. The longer the climbs, the better,” she said. “But riding the Amstel Gold Race over my home roads will always give me a special feeling.”
Schoens aims to become a key domestique
At UAE Team L’IMAD, Schoens hopes to develop into a reliable domestique, supporting her teammates during demanding races and helping the squad achieve its collective objectives.
Rather than focusing exclusively on individual results, she considers teamwork one of her greatest strengths.
“I’m a very good team player. I’m always going 100% for the team result and the task that I’m given, and I feel joy when we succeed through that team effort,” Schoens explained.
Her decision to join UAE Team L’IMAD was also influenced by the team’s support structure and opportunities for continued development.
“I’m convinced that I still have so much room to improve as a cyclist, not only on long, hard races but also in being the best domestique and teammate I can be, to get the best possible team result. The support system around this team is just one of the best you can have, and I think it will make me the best version I can be.”
Climbing development among her priorities
Schoens wants to improve her ability to maintain a higher pace on long climbs while becoming more explosive when the intensity increases at the beginning of an ascent.
These improvements would allow her to support teammates during decisive moments in mountainous races.
Additionally, she hopes to learn from the experienced riders within the UAE Team L’IMAD roster.
“A lot will be new for me, so I’m excited to see what I can learn from all the women in the team,” she said. “I want to evolve into the best domestique for the girls that I can be.”
UAE Team L’IMAD welcomes Schoens’ experience
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team L’IMAD, welcomed the signing, highlighting Schoens’ resilience and commitment to teamwork.
“Quinty is a rider whose journey is particularly inspiring. To move from gymnastics to professional triathlon and then successfully build a second professional career in cycling requires an extraordinary level of determination, discipline and resilience. She has already shown that she has the qualities to compete in demanding stage races and on long climbs, but what impressed us most is her attitude towards the team”.
Schoens’ experience across different endurance sports, combined with her performances in challenging cycling events, will add another climbing-focused rider to the team’s roster.
Her arrival also provides an opportunity to further develop her abilities within a WorldTour environment.
Balancing professional cycling with life beyond sport
Away from competition, Schoens runs her own nail salon, a business she has maintained for almost ten years.
The salon provides a creative outlet and helps her maintain balance alongside the demands of professional sport.
She also places importance on creating a supportive environment for those around her, both within and outside cycling.
“I’m always real and straightforward, but of course with the best intentions, so we can all be the best version of ourselves, on and off the bike.”
Having built a second professional sporting career following her departure from triathlon, Schoens will begin a new chapter with UAE Team L’IMAD in 2027.
Her two-year contract will give her the opportunity to compete at WorldTour level while continuing to develop as a climber and domestique.
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