Unable to climb out of the saddle, and struggling with pain throughout the road race, Van Vleuten barely hung on – before attacking the small lead group with only a kilometre to go.
Her elbow prevented her from sprinting effectively, so late acceleration was her only option. But Van Vleuten pushed through, and won her fourth world title (two road, two ITT) against all odds.
This year, one of the most iconic riders in women’s cycling is planning to retire; but recently she was nominated for a Laureus Award in the Comeback of the Year category.
She gave this exclusive interview to Bicycling.
You’ve been nominated in the Comeback of the Year category, along with people like Tiger Woods. Illustrious company, hey?
Annemiek van Vleuten: It makes me proud to think that when I started cycling, it was never possible that women cyclists would be nominated together with names like that. I think it’s quite a journey we’ve taken with the development and professionalism of my sport, and it makes me also super-proud.
You’ve said you’re retiring at the end of the 2023 season. Is wearing the rainbow jersey a nice way to end your career?
AvV: Yes, it makes the decision also a bit easier. If you can stop in your last year wearing the rainbow jersey, it’s the best way to stop. So, yes, it only encourages me in my decision to stop now and enjoy my last year in this jersey.
I’ve been in Colombia, and it’s been crazy how many people saw me there, encouraged me, and called my name… like, even people working on the street!
Bu hikaye Bicycling South Africa dergisinin May/June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Bicycling South Africa dergisinin May/June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
GEAR FOR THE AGES
Some bicycle components, tools and accessories - by design, luck or a bit of both - become icons of performance, reliability and permanence in cycling.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
IN KENYA'S MAASAI MARA, KNOWN MORE FOR SAFARIS THAN CYCLING, THE MIGRATION GRAVEL RACE CHALLENGES RIDERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD THE WORLD WHILE FORGING A FUTURE FOR BIKE RACING IN AFRICA.
WAR ON WHEELS
IF YOU GO FOR A RIDE IN CAPE TOWN AT THE WRONG TIME, YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A CYCLING GANG WAR, WHERE THE WEAPONS OF CHOICE ARE STRAVA RECORDS AND SALTY COMMENTS ON INSTAGRAM. THIS IS THE TALE OF THREE RIVAL ROADIE CREWS AND A REMINDER THAT CYCLING IS A SPORT BEST TAKEN WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR.
GET TOUR DE FRANCE FAST IN FOUR WEEKS
HAVE YOU GOT TOUR FEVER? If you have a good fitness base, let the pros inspire you to take your riding to the next level.
THE SECRET TO MAKING A COMEBACK? JUST START
\"THIS IS WHAT DECONDITIONING LOOKS LIKE,\" I said out loud to no one, as I looked at the heart-rate reading on my phone and gasped for breath. \"This shouldn't be so hard.\"
DEAR MARK CAVENDISH
WHEN I FIRST STARTED FOLLOWING professional road cycling around 2014, you were at the top of your game.
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR POWER-TOWEIGHT RATIO
POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO IS one of the most telling metrics in cycling - and thanks to indoor trainers, many more cyclists are now familiar with it. Right now it's never been easier to calculate your power-to-weight ratio and use it to improve your performance.
EASY RIDER
A FEW YEARS AGO, my wife and I along with her parents, brother and his wife-cycled down the Danube River in Europe.
LEADING THE WAY - RYAN GIBBONS, 29, SA PRO RIDER, MULTIPLE SA & AFRICAN ROAD CHAMP
AFTER JOINING LIDLTREK from UAE Team Emirates, South African national champ Ryan Gibbons aims to be the best lead-out man he can be - while also helping his new team in their quest to climb the World Tour rankings.
6 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER
TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOU COOLER AND RIDING STRONGER... NO MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE.
