Ashley Moolman-Pasio has agreed to postpone his retirement at the end of 2022 and ride for the Belgian AG Insurance-NXTG team, which will step up to the World Tour level in 2023.

The South African rider, who turned 36 in December, will serve as a mentor to the team's younger riders and target stage races like the Ardennes Classics and Tour de France Femme.

She announced in a video that she will continue racing in 2023 and will join AG Insurance-NXTG.

"I was sure I would retire after this season. I was convinced I was going to retire after this season.

"I've had my best season ever and at 36 I'm still progressing every year. My level has never been higher.

Moolman-Pasio is one of the most experienced riders in the women's peloton and has been a member of Lot Belisol, Cervelo Bigla, CCC Liv and SD Walks throughout her career.

She is a multiple-time South African champion and will share her wealth of experience with the 2023 AG Insurance-NXTG riders.

"You know me. I like to share and talk. Cycling is not just about riding hard. There is so much more: nutrition, mental health, recovery, etc. Living as a full-time professional is a learning experience and I can't wait to share my life experiences with the team."

"Of course, I already had the team on my mind, so I followed them closely during the Tour de France Femmes and was impressed by the way they truly rode for each other as a team, and despite the setback of two riders retiring, they kept up morale and were able to keep up the momentum and keep the team going, even if they had to take a break from the Tour de France, white jerseys. It was inspiring for me as well."

AG Insurance-NXTG is focusing on the development of young players in 2022, but intends to step up to the World Tour level in 2023, accepting the highest economic conditions.

Julia Bergstrom, Anya Lu, Gaia Massetti, Lorne Mertens, Ilse Pluimers, Arie Wollaston, Brit Knaben, and Maud Reinbek will step up from the under-23 team, and a new generation of under-19 and under-23 riders will be selected.

Jolien D'hoor will be the lead sport director, with Natascha den Ouden team manager and QuickStep-AlphaVinyl men's team manager Patrick Lefevere providing strategic advice and support.

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"I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue, but when I spoke with Natascha I immediately felt a connection with her and made the decision. We share the same values about cycling, but mostly we are incredibly passionate about the sport and the development of women's cycling," Moolman-Pasio explained.

"It's also a great prospect to have Jolien behind the steering wheel and to see her again. She will guide the players from the car. Her energy will propel the team forward

"I can coach the players from within the group. Not from the ivory tower as the ultimate team leader, but always as part of a cohesive team. We grow by building each other up. Despite the age difference, I look forward to learning from them."

Moolman-Pasio began her career in 2010 with Lotto Soudal, where she won 42 races and put her climbing skills to good use on the podium at the 2018 and 2021 Giro Donne. at the first ESport World Championships in 2020, the Australian She won a thrilling battle for second place with Sarah Gigante.

"Despite these 42 wins, I am not a winner of many, but I am one of the most consistent riders in the peloton," she explained.

"At 36, I still have high ambitions. After finishing in the top seven nine times in Flèche Wallonne, I really want that elusive victory. I want to aim for the yellow jersey at next year's Tour de France Femme."

"When I look back on my career now, year by year, I am by no means announcing my retirement. I have done so once before. "