Van Dam grew up in Victoria, Canada, where cycling was not a family tradition. She first discovered the sport in middle school through a local event and soon joined a youth club that allowed her to try different disciplines. Track cycling quickly became her main focus, leading her to represent Canada internationally, before she gradually shifted her attention to the road. “Balancing track and road was challenging, but I realized how much I enjoy the road scene: the long rides, training outdoors, and racing stage events,” she explains. Her time with DNA Pro Cycling gave her the chance to race in Europe for the first time, an experience that fueled her ambition to compete at the highest level.

This past season marked her first full year in the Women’s WorldTour, and she has already shown the ability to thrive in demanding races. Highlight of her year was Itzulia Women, where she finished second on the last stage and secured third place in the general classification, her first WorldTour podium result. Van Dam describes herself as a rider who enjoys hard, hilly courses that often end in a reduced sprint. At the same time, she is still discovering her true strengths. “Stage races excite me the most, and I’m especially drawn to the Ardennes classics. I feel like there’s still so much room for me to grow and develop.”

Looking ahead, Van Dam is excited about making the switch to Team Visma | Lease a Bike. “I know I have a lot to learn, both physically and tactically. This team provides the perfect environment to take the next step. I’m excited to contribute the coming three years to a winning team and play my part in it. I would like to help our leaders win, and show that I can also fight for results myself.”

Team manager Rutger Tijssen is equally enthusiastic about Van Dam’s arrival: “Sarah is a young and talented rider with strong values in the medium-duration efforts. We see her as someone who can play an important role in the hilly classics in the near future. In the longer term, she has the potential to develop into a stage race rider. We are happy she chose our team, and we will invest the time to help her grow step by step.”