After nearly two years away from competitive cyclocross, eight-time world champion Marianne Vos is making her eagerly awaited return. The elite athlete will once again don her racing gear at the World Cup event set for December 29, 2024, taking place in Besançon, France. This event marks her first foray back since competing at the World Cup event in Benidorm back in January 2023.
Gerben de Knegt, bondscoach of the Dutch national cycling team, expressed excitement over Vos's return, stating, "It's beautiful to welcome Marianne back to the field." Her participation is pivotal, as it will serve as both her reintroduction to the discipline and as a determinant for her future racing plans, particularly her potential involvement in the upcoming World Championships.
"I am really looking forward to this first race," Vos said, highlighting her continued affection for the sport of cyclocross. The veteran cyclist acknowledged the unique thrill of returning to competition after such a long break. "Cyclocross is still something I enjoy doing. I feel ready and have been preparing well,” she added, stressing the importance of recalibrated training regimes aimed at complementing her road cycling season.
Vos's schedule includes not only the Besançon race but also other competitions such as the national championship at Oisterwijk on January 12, the World Cup event at Benidorm on January 19, and another World Cup event at Hoogerheide on January 26. Each of these races presents her with strategic opportunities to assess her performance leading up to the World Championships set for February 1.
"We’ve looked closely at her entire racing strategy, ensuring the cyclocross events align well with her preparations for road cycling, without compromising her ambition on the cross front," noted team leader Jan Boven, affirming the strategic planning behind Vos's race calendar. This careful planning aims to help her excel during the winter months and come out strong for the road racing season.
Notably, the Besançon event will see the absence of fellow riders Puck Pieterse and Annemarie Worst. According to De Knegt, Pieterse has opted to skip the race due to the busy holiday period, and Worst, unfortunately, is sidelined due to injuries sustained from her recent fall at the World Cup event held at Zonhoven.
Despite these challenges, Vos's return is viewed as significant not just for her but for the team dynamics overall. Her experience and prowess are expected to bolster the women's team as they head toward important competitions. "We will certainly miss the two outstanding riders, but having Marianne back brings increased potential for the squad," De Knegt remarked.
Looking forward, Vos shared her commitment to maintaining her performance alongside her love for the sport. She explained, "It’s important for me to not only compete but do so meaningfully. I aim for each race to provide me with both challenges and enjoyment, allowing me to recover effectively between events. It’s about pacing myself and making the most of each opportunity," she stated.
With renewed vigor, Marianne Vos's anticipated schedule is amplified by determination and enthusiasm, sharp reminders of her reputation as one of cycling's most accomplished athletes. The return to cyclocross is seen not just as another event but rather as pivotal point signaling Vos's resilience and dedication, showcasing her readiness for the challenges to come.
Her path back to competition is lined with careful planning and support from her team, as they collectively eye the broader horizon of upcoming championships. The anticipation among fans and fellow competitors alike grows as the Besançon World Cup approaches, promising excitement for what could be another remarkable chapter for Vos.
