Lorena Wiebes is the fastest sprinter on the Women's World Tour, winning 23 races last year.

Vives' sensational speed coincided perfectly with SD Works manager Danny Stam's decision to form the first sprint team in the history of the powerful Dutch team. In the biggest move of the season, Wiebes will finish his tenure with Team DSM and start anew with a new lead-out crew in 2023.

"This team has never had a real sprinter, but if you look at the 2023 team, I think they are ready for any race. There are not many pure sprinters in the women's peloton, so having someone like Lorena in there makes a big difference. There are some good sprinters, but it's always hard to win a bunch sprint.

SD Worx, the top team in the world for six of the past seven seasons, prides itself on consistent performance and developing up-and-coming talent, and they have only gotten stronger. They boast a well-rounded roster that includes Demi Volering, Lotte Kopecky, Marlen Reusser, and now Vives.

"We are a team that wants to race, we want to race hard. It's easier now because a lot of races are going to be bunch sprints, but in different races, when it's really hard, we have more weapons. The tactics haven't changed much, but it's a little easier."

SD Walks has formed a lead-out train for Vives, who will wear the European champion jersey, with newcomers Barbara Guarischi, Elena Cecchini, Ronneke Uneken, and Christine Majerus. The team will race together for the first time at the UAE Tour Women's event on February 9-12.

"We practiced lead-outs at the camp. I have a lot of faith in the athletes. We will have a really strong lead-out. Barbara is a super veteran at sprinting, and I think we'll see how that works at the UAE Tour, and we're really motivated," Wiebes said.

"We've been practicing different orders in the lead-outs, and we'll see how they work. The reason different orders are possible during the season is that we have a lot of strong riders with engines that are capable of lead-outs. So far, I like the idea of using Barbara as the last leadout. That's how I plan to start the season."

Guariski, 32, brings a wealth of sprint experience to SD Works. He said, "In my experience, when there is strength and power in a team and in happiness, it gives you more power in the legs. I knew Lorena and all the pieces (of the deal) worked out."

Cecchini said that SD Walks' hiring of Wiebes and Guariski was a relief to the team.

"Barbara gives a lot to the sport and the combination with our sprinters and now Lorena is very good. Having Lorena on the team makes us feel comfortable. Last year we had a situation where we didn't want to sprint, but we had to do something because it was a group sprint. Now we have the best sprinter in the world."

On Team DSM, Wiebes relied on riders like Charlotte Kuhl and Pfeiffer Gheorghi to hold their positions and were fast ahead of the group kick, and their tactics were designed to lead Wiebes to a sprint victory. Wiebes admits that tactics could play a bigger role in SD Worx.

"Controlling the race for the sprint is probably less important. It will be a little different than comparing them to DSM, but it's totally fine and I think we can be strong in those races," she said.

Having spent two and a half seasons with Team DSM, Wiebes is familiar with their sprint strategy and has been mentoring Kool, a sprinter who will be Wiebes' main rival in this year's sprint.

"Of course, I know DSM's strategy. Of course I know DSM's strategy, I learned from them during my years at DSM, and I will bring that knowledge to SD Works. I think the most important thing is to have my own strategy and focus on myself instead of following other teams."

Vives made it clear that while his main focus at SD Works will be on sprints, he hopes to continue his progress in mountain races like the Tour de Flanders and the Amstel Gold Race, although they are not high on his priority list. He also hopes to work with Flanders winner Kopecký this year and share team responsibilities in various races.

"I still want to improve in that area, but first I would prefer to help other strong racers in those races and gain race experience. That's my long-term goal. My main focus is still sprinting and I want to keep that at a high level."

Asked if he is worried that he won't win much this year amid all the attention on his move to SD Walks, Wiebes replied, "I knew from the moment I signed with this team that it was a possibility."

"It will be hard to win more than we did last year. But if we can get some quality wins, that's all that matters. If I can see myself growing, that's a good sign. I like to win big races that are a little more difficult."

She cited other peloton athletes in addition to Kuhl, such as Elisa Balsamo and Chiara Consonni, who are looking to improve in the sprints.

"I feel a little pressure because I finished the season without losing a sprint. Of course there is pressure, and I don't know how the other sprinters have developed this winter. It's a new season, so there is always the possibility that someone will come up to me. I only know what I did this winter and it feels good. It's a good feeling; we'll find out firsthand on the UAE tour."