Anna Van der Breggen is preparing to make his comeback to competition. After a three-year break where she devoted herself to a career as a sports director, the Dutchwoman wanted to get back on the bike this season. At 34, she is aware that women's Cycling has evolved and does not set too high goals. Above all, she wants to help her teammates. SD Worx-Protime to develop and join a collective. In comments reported by CyclingNewsthe double road world champion spoke candidly about the upcoming season.
Video – Anna Van der Breggen, world champion in 2018
A mentality that has evolved
After having won almost everything between 2012 and 2021, Anna Van der Breggen now wants to move into a new role, that of a big sister. At 34 years old, “you think differently compared to when you are young and talented and you want to win world championships, a title or a race… you only think about yourself. For me, now, it has changed. I see the team and I want to be part of it” she explained to CyclingNews, on the eve of the start of the 2025 season. “I don't think you have to win a particular race. I enjoy what I do a lot more now. I like the long races, the new teammates we have and the way they develop.”
Before hanging up the bike in 2021, the Dutchwoman admitted that the last few seasons in the professional peloton were very complicated. “I was just tired from all the years of competing before I retired. I really enjoyed the first year after retirement and I think I just needed a break at that time to do something different. A lot of people say there is the Tour de France now. But for me, it's not [la raison de mon retour]. It's more that I missed cycling. Deep down, somewhere, I was like, 'I can still do this well, so what, I just sit in a car?' she pointed out.
-The desire to have fun, without setting a goal of victory
Olympic champion in 2016, seven-time winner Walloon Arrowwithout forgetting his victories over Liège-Bastogne-Liègethe Tour of FlandersTHE White Roads or the Tour of Italythe list ofAnna Van der Breggen is already full. So, this season, the objectives are different. “My goal is to see how the races go. Of course I want to perform as well as possible, but I also want to be able to play the game.”
The 34-year-old runner, however, wants to rediscover great sensations in events designed for her qualities. “For me, the Ardennaises are important in April. It will give me time to prepare more for these races. The team gives me the opportunity to start competing when I feel up to it. After the Ardennaises, I “I hope to do the whole season of stage races. That's what I like. The first races are very exciting, then come the long passes but it will all come little by little.” detailed Van der Breggen who keeps an eye on the event where she reigned supreme for 7 years. “You have to be in great shape to be able to win the Flèche. If I'm not yet at that level, or better than when I stopped, it will be difficult. If I don't make it, it doesn't matter , it’s one of the hardest races to start with, but I’m going to try.”
