2023-07-23 11:21:47
From our special correspondent on the Tour de France – The empress of women’s cycling, Annemiek van Vleuten, begins Sunday at 40 the last Grand tour of her career. While she has already won the Vuelta and the Giro this year, she is also hoping to retain her Tour de France title. Interview with the champion a few hours before the start in Clermont-Ferrand.
Published on: 07/23/2023 – 11:21
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When it comes to women’s cycling, the question is not how to win, but how to beat her. At 40, Annemiek van Vleuten still reigns supreme in the women’s peloton. In 2022, she won the three Grand Tours, the Vuelta, the Giro and the Tour de France, before winning the world champion jersey. With the Tour of Spain and the Tour of Italy already in her pocket, the Dutch “cannibal” seems to be starting on the same basis this season. However, the competition is tough. Annemiek van Vleuten, who will retire at the end of the season, is aware that the task will be difficult to retain her title, but that does not prevent the Movistar climber from believing in her chances.
24 hours before the start, the great lady of women’s cycling appears much more relaxed than in 2022. Smiling, the number 1 bib of the second edition of the professional era of the Tour de France Women stopped at the microphone of France 24.
Read alsoTour de France Women: Annemiek van Vleuten, a winner “from another planet”
France 24 : You have known a lot in your career, but on Sunday, you will start a Tour de France in the shoes of the reigning champion. What are your feelings ?
It will be a very special moment to start the Tour tomorrow wearing the rainbow jersey [de championne du monde] and bib number 1 [de vainqueure en titre]. It brings back good memories of last year. To be on the Tour de France is to be part of a great show. I have already participated and won in several races, but after last year I realized that the Tour de France is the most important of all. It is the one that attracts the most spectators. It is a race that is followed even by people outside of cycling. It’s the biggest race I’ve won in my career.
You hope to finish with a big victory in the Tour de France ?
Obviously I want to win a second Tour de France! I will do everything to participate in the battle for the yellow jersey. The seventh stage, which ends on Saturday at the Tourmalet, will be decisive, as will the final time trial in Pau. But beware ! All the stages are a bit tricky before this final weekend. There are six other stages where you have to be careful.
Who is the opponent you fear the most? ?
I’m not afraid of anyone! I like challenges because they allow me to show the best of myself. However, I also think that Demi Vollering has shown this year that she is the best and the big favorite for this Tour de France. She has a pretty strong team around her. She has already beaten me. It will be a challenge to beat her, but I am ready.
At 40 you’re still at the top of cycling, what’s your secret ?
I think my secret is that I keep having fun when I prepare for the races. It seems less painful to me because I continue to love my job, to love training… Well, sometimes not, when I’m asked to give it my all… (laughs) For me, having fun is the basis. And when we have fun, we can last.
Read alsoWomen’s cycling, year 2: “We must continue to structure ourselves, otherwise everything can stop”
Are you already thinking about the after?
I think I will want to stay in cycling. I’m thinking maybe starting with a sabbatical year to find myself and see what I can bring to others. But then you will see me again in cycling!
#afraid