Earning success in cycling championships demands resilience, but how does leaving its glory feel? After a golden career in rearview, a 41-year-old Dutch cyclist was seen declaring retirement this year. Bringing an end to her pro athletic legacy, Annemiek van Vleuten decided to leave racing games in September, while fans remembered her audacious course records. 

While carving her path through bold victories, Vleuten marked her cycling excellence, defined by sheer stances of perseverance. However, a daunting crash during the Rio Olympics in 2016 became a riddling challenge in her professional journey, inflicting spinal fractures. However, flaunting her leadership jersey, the enthusiastic rider made an admirable comeback, right before bidding farewell to her exhilarating passion. 

Troubles turned fruitful through persistence 

Although Vleuten had earned the prestigious winning title at the Tour de France Femmes 2022, her cycling journey since her pro-rank performance in 2008 was paved with adequate hurdles. Despite her unparalleled appreciation for solo wins in Grand Tours and Spring Classics, the athlete’s struggles throughout racing battles remained persistent. 

Read More: Japan cycling team bags three gold medals at the Asiad

While her on-track collision landed a severe concussion, the dedicated cyclist kept holding on to her skillful consistency. Amidst these trials, van Vleuten witnessed a metamorphosis of women’s cycling as she marked her dominance in the World Championships. 

In 2017, she won the UCI Road tournament held in Bergen, finishing the 21.1 km route in record time, almost 12 seconds before the second spot holder, Van der Breggen. Additionally, her 2019 ventures stood equally high in the sport’s history. 

Cycling professional earns boundless sucesss

Winning the world title with a daring solo cycling trip of 105 km, Vleuten marked her presence in the Harrogate championship. Subsequently, her cycling escapades in the 2022 Wollongong games landed undeniably triumphant. But that was not enough for this sensational rider, as she bagged several other achievements. 

Evidently, Vleuten secured a glamorous victory at the 2021 Tour of Flanders, returning after ten years since her initial attempt in 2011. Vleuten also left her indomitable mark in the 2018 La Course, cycling with efficiency at the Le Tour de France event. She even made her way to the Olympic podium, with a time trial gold medal and a silver from road racing in 2021. 

During a media exchange after her retirement this year, Vleuten recalled the exhilaration during her performance in Tokyo. Acknowledging her remarkable feats, the former pro-cycling rider stated, “I always thought that you need to be a freak to win a gold medal”, adding, “But I’m not a freak.”

Racing wholeheartedly for the Dutch national team, Annemiek van Vleuten’s contributions to cycling games knew no bounds. Leaving a legacy behind, she is now focusing on transitioning to the next phase of her life, while sports fans cheered in joyful appreciation. 

Watch This Story: “It’s better to stop in a good way” – Belgian cycling icon Greg Van Avermaet bids farewell after a golden career in rearview