Anna van der Breggen responds to her absence from the World Championships: 'Not what I had hoped for'

The Dutch women’s team for the World Cycling Championships is brimming with talent. With Demi Vollering, they have a rock-solid leader and top favorite, but riders like Karlijn Swinkels and Puck Pieterse also have good chances. One of the most notable absences in Canada, however, is Anna van der Breggen. She has commented on her absence.

Van der Breggen had another successful World Championships last year. In the road race, she—like the rest of the top favorites—wasn’t in the running, finishing 38th, 11.31 behind the winner. But in the time trial, she finished a strong second, trailing only the dominant Marlen Reusser. However, she won’t be competing in Canada.

She got off to an excellent start to the season and rode exceptionally well, especially in May and June. Although she lost both the Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia on the final day, the Dutch rider from SD Worx-Protime proved to be exceptionally strong. That gave her hope for the Tour de France Femmes, but she didn’t live up to expectations there. After six stages, she had no chance of winning the overall title and withdrew.

Things weren’t going well leading up to the World Championships either. National team coach Laurens ten Dam explained why he didn’t select the former world champion. “Anna’s been feeling under the weather. I would have loved to have her on the team, but she’s been sick a few times since the Tour de France,” he said after announcing the roster for the World Championships in Canada.

It’s a major setback, even for Van der Breggen herself. With plenty of elevation gain, the course in Montréal wasn’t unfavorable for her, but her season is already over. On Instagram, she commented on her absence in Canada. “It’s been a little quiet around here. Because good things are fun to share, but the life of a pro athlete means you have your ups and downs.”

And although there were plenty of highs over the past two years, the Dutch rider also experienced the other side of the coin, especially toward the end of the season. “After a great season, this past month hasn’t been what I’d hoped for, and for now, it’s all about recovery. I wish everyone at the World Championships the best of luck! Go for that rainbow jersey. Thanks for the support, and I’ll be back.”