Van Vleuten: "It’s not easy anymore to win and that makes it even better"

April 24 ^th 2022 - 14:21

"It’s my best spring ever, in terms of results but also if I look at my numbers, the power outputs, also the times on Strava…  I was never so fast on Mur de Huy but someone was faster than me. The level is growing and there are more girls able to win. It’s not easy anymore to win and that makes it even better when you do it. Last time, I was able to go solo on La Redoute, but this time I knew it wouldn’t work because the level is much higher now. I destroyed myself on La Redoute, and then I knew there was only one option left: going all out on La Roche-aux-Faucons. It’s quite special that I’m still able to raise my level. My driving force is not the win, it’s seeing small things I can improve, myself, training, tactics, knowledge of the courses… And in my preparation, I still have the eagerness to improve. I also started cycling quite later. At 18, I was still drinking beers and partying. It’s normal that I peak later."