Anna van der Breggen: "The Tour de France will be a turning point for women’s cycling"

Date:

end of 2021 Anna van der Breggen (Zwolle, 1990) decided to hang up the bike when he was only 31 years old. The Dutchman, one of the best cyclists of all time, had a unique career. His record includes three Olympic medals, nine in National championship winning gold on the road and against the clock in 2020, four turn of italy or seven consecutive Walloon Flecha wins, among many other outstanding victories.

However, he did not distance himself from the professional peloton and took the role of sports director of SD Worx Team. At the gates of the start of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which will return to the calendar after 33 years, attended Mundo Deportivo to present its impressions of the race and its experience in its new professional aspect.

At the end of last year, he surprised everyone with his decision to stop competing. What about the withdrawal?

Well, I enjoyed it. I decided to withdraw because I felt that I did not have enough motivation to be at the highest level. I felt that other people’s careers were more important than mine and I needed to change. Also, the Games were a great challenge and I really enjoyed them but then I thought it was time to do something different. Having a job like the one I have now as a team manager also helps because it doesn’t separate me from cycling. I’m busy helping runners and teaching them everything I’ve learned. Maybe in a few years I want to compete again but for now I’m enjoying it.

What is the best memory of your career?

I can’t keep just one. The good thing when I look back is that I am proud of what I have achieved. I started when I was seven years old and every year I learn something new. I remember my first race, my first Rabobank kit, my first podium… And also victories in big races.

How have you experienced the rise of women’s cycling since you started as a professional?

Especially now you have the feeling that it is changing very quickly. In the beginning it was completely different. And it can still grow and we’re working on it. We have not yet reached the highest level. This year is very important because the Tour de France is back, a race that will be televised every day. This will be a turning point for all its media needs.

Which are the steps to follow?

It is very positive that we have many teams but I am worried about the cycling training. We miss the U-23 category. It’s complicated when you’re a junior and you want to make the leap to professional. In addition, in terms of salary, the minimum salary of a runner starting with people who may have been in the peloton for a long time is matched and puts a lot of pressure on the young cyclist. Perhaps it is better to be more involved in training and development and not rush to make a professional move.

How was your experience as a sports director?

I’m so happy. I think I will gradually improve. It’s true that from the car many times you don’t have control in the race but I had to get used to it and learn how to make decisions. Accept that not everything will always go according to plan.

Do you suffer more on a bike or in a car?

It’s worse than the bike. Now it’s true that I don’t like all the logistics but it’s part of the job. It also has its positive side… I don’t have to go to the starting line, I can take the opportunity to have coffee in the car and I don’t get wet if it’s raining (laughs).

What goals does your team have for the Tour?

We have a great team and it will be an incredible race. We will try to fight for stage wins and choose the general with Demi Vollering or Ashleigh Moolman. The green jersey could be a good target for Lotte Kopecky.

Will he pass up the chance to race here?

The return of the Tour after more than thirty years will be special. But I have ridden in other great events during my career and I will enjoy it now from a different position.

How important is it to companies like Zwift to get involved in women’s cycling?

Your work is very important. Getting more media attention and visibility for brands is the way to keep our sport growing.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

I will tell him to do what he wants to do. Enjoy cycling and that’s it. It’s complicated for professionals, there’s more and more pressure and you have to keep showing that you’re good. But in the end everything is simpler. Enjoy your passion and try to do it well.

are you still on the bike?

I train from time to time with the girls in the team and I like it very much, we can share experiences. I also became fond of running and probably in the future I will sign up for a career as a famous runner.

Source: La Verdad

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