36-Year-Old Dutch Pro Cyclist Drops Cyclo-Cross Program This Year Due to Surgery Recovery

Renowned Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos, a vital member of the Jumbo-Visma team, has made a triumphant return to cycling. She had to take a hiatus following a recent surgery to address iliac artery issues that plagued her 2023 season. Vos had previously undergone similar surgery in 2020 and earlier this year. Notably, she faced relentless pain and a loss of power throughout the year.

In a recent Instagram post, she expressed her joy at being back on her bike. She also detailed her rehabilitation journey, hinting at an exciting road to recovery. However, the absence of cyclo-cross racing in her upcoming plans has surprised many fans and pundits.

Back in the Saddle: Vos’s Remarkable Recovery

After enduring a challenging 2023 season filled with discomfort and decreased performance due to iliac endofibrosis, Marianne Vos opted for iliac artery surgery in August. The procedure aimed to alleviate the recurring issue that had previously required intervention in 2020 and early 2023. Fortunately, the surgery has marked a turning point in Vos’s journey to regain her peak form. She recently shared her progress on social media, disclosing that she was back on her Cervélo bike and exploring the picturesque roads of the Netherlands.

During the initial five weeks of her rehabilitation, Vos refrained from any physical activity, allowing her body to heal properly. Subsequently, she gradually resumed cycling, starting with one-hour rides every other day. Over the next three weeks, her training regimen will intensify, culminating in two-hour rides daily by the eighth week.

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Vos’s determination and commitment to her recovery are evident, as she eagerly anticipates returning to full training mode.

A Cyclo-Cross Hiatus: Focusing on the Road to 2024 

While fans of Marianne Vos might have hoped for her triumphant return to cyclo-cross racing this winter, the 36-year-old cycling legend has dashed those expectations. Despite being a former world champion in cyclo-cross, Vos has confirmed that she won’t be participating in off-road races this season. Instead, her primary focus is on preparing for the 2024 road racing season.

Recently, Vos met with her new coach, Rutger Tijssen, who also serves as the Jumbo-Visma women’s general manager. Together, they charted a strategic path for the upcoming year. The foremost priority is building a robust foundation for her road racing endeavors. This decision comes as Vos and her team brace for changes in their setup and staff ahead of the 2024 season. Though several riders are departing, Marianne Vos remains an integral part of the Dutch squad, standing alongside Anna Henderson and Riejanne Markus as they gear up for another exciting season.

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