Photo Credit: Jef Kusters
Daniela Hezinova
Czech native Hezinova has settled into life in the Netherlands well with the base that her current team has in Watersley. A versatile rider with a fast finish, 2024 saw Hezinova impress in her first year as a junior with a strong fifth place at Trofeo Alfredo Binda, winning the Czech road-race, come fifth at Bizaikoloreak Juniors and then fifth in the sprint at the European Championships. That level of consistency over a multitude of terrain has continued in 2025, where some bad luck has also halted her at moments too. Nonetheless, she can count on over 15 top ten finishes this season, while also helping her teammates to multiple victories too – at some of the biggest races on the junior calendar.
Hezinova said: “What really attracted me to Team Picnic PostNL is the genuine team spirit and the long-term vision for rider development. Stepping up to the WorldTour with this group feels like the perfect next challenge, and I’m excited for everything that comes with it: the professional environment, the chance to learn from experienced teammates, and the opportunity to grow every day. I’d describe myself as a bit of a sneaky rider, someone who knows where to be at the right moment and is always ready to give everything for the team. Right now, I see myself as a ‘climby-puncheur,’ but I’m still exploring exactly what kind of rider I can become. My goal is to develop into the best version of myself, help the team achieve great things, and, in time, win some big races of my own. I bring strong bike-handling and tactical skills, but also a lot of discipline, team spirit, and a constant desire to improve, on and off the bike.”
Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “We have known Daniela for two years and have followed her closely as one of the brightest young riders in the Czech Republic. She combines a sharp racing intelligence with a punchy, Ardennes-style engine that makes her dangerous on rolling courses and short climbs. Our first goal is to broaden her experience and give her the space to grow in all areas, from training to racing at WorldTour level. Daniela is already a complete rider for her age, and we look forward to seeing how far she can go when she tests herself in both smaller races and as a valuable support rider in the bigger events.”