All-Time Great Annemiek van Vleuten Hangs Up Her Cleats

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reviewed by Rory McAllister
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Annemiek van Vleuten’s final race was more than just another competition – it was a heartfelt farewell to a storied career spanning 16 eventful years.

Met with touching tributes and cheered on by the global cycling community, the 40-year-old dynamo rode into the sunset, leaving behind a legacy filled with gold, grit, and unparalleled determination.

As the curtain falls on her professional journey, a new chapter of possibilities and passions unfolds, hinting at ventures beyond the familiar cycling lanes.

Whether it’s taking up new challenges or imparting wisdom to budding athletes, Annemiek van Vleuten’s retirement promises to be just as riveting as her time on the roads.

We’ll be covering:

  • A Sentimental Last Ride
  • Gold And Grit
  • Van Vleuten’s Opinion On Women’s Cycling
  • Post-Racing Retirement Plans

Let’s dive in!

Annemiek van Vleuten, who has just retired from cycling, smiles at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes.

A Sentimental Last Ride

You know those moments in sports when an athlete’s career journey comes full circle? Well, Annemiek van Vleuten’s final race was exactly that kind of moment.

Right from the get-go, she was greeted with a heartwarming banner that simply read, “Annemiek, thanks.” And as she pedaled on, the spectators lining the race course cheered her on with an outpouring of love and admiration.

It felt like an entire cycling community saying, “We see you, and we appreciate all you’ve done.”

Now, don’t get me wrong: the day had its fair share of champs. World champion Lotte Kopecky owned the General Classification, and Lorena Wiebes brilliantly snagged the stage victory. But the story of the day? That was all about Annemiek.

Marking the end of an astonishing 16-year run on the cycling circuit, she wrapped up her final stint at the Simac Ladies Tour.


Though the day didn’t see her standing atop the podium, it was nothing short of a teary-eyed and memorable send-off for van Vleuten. And just when you think she’s done with surprises, she pulls out a heart-tugger.

As a token of gratitude, Annemiek gifted her teammates and the support crew with personalized rainbow jerseys. And not just those on the track with her, but even the unsung heroes back at the office and service course. How cool is that?

Gold and Grit

When you take a peek at Van Vleuten’s career highlights, it’s like reading a “Who’s Who” of cycling achievements. I mean, we’re talking about a staggering 104 victories here!

Dive deeper, and the list gets even juicier: two World Road Race Championship crowns, two world individual Time Trial World Championships, an Olympic gold in the time trial, and a shiny Olympic silver in the road race.

And let’s not forget her standout Tour de France conquest, four rounds of applause for her Giro d’Italia feats, and that sweet victory lap at La Vuelta.

Hungry for more? Annemiek’s trophy cabinet also showcases double wins at both the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Strade Bianche Donne. Oh, and did I mention the twin triumphs at the Tour of Flanders? Yep, she’s got those too!

Now, when someone like that decides to hang up their helmet, you bet the cycling world sits up and takes notice. The UCI – the bigwigs of international cycling – tipped their hats to Annemiek on Instagram, penning a touching note.

“Thank you, Annemiek. Multiple UCI World Championship titles won, and so much more. Your passion and dedication have inspired us all. You will be missed.”

And, honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

However, life threw a fair share of curveballs at Van Vleuten throughout her stellar career.

Remember that gut-wrenching tumble at the 2016 Olympics? Then, just before the 2022 World Championships, she was grappling with a fractured elbow. And as if that wasn’t enough, she kicked off the 2022 Tour de France battling an illness.

Through it all, Annemiek demonstrated resilience, proving that champions don’t just rise – they bounce back, stronger than before.

Van Vleuten’s Opinion On The Changing Landscape of Women’s Cycling

Over the course of Annemiek van Vleuten’s remarkable 16-year journey, she’s witnessed – and, importantly, contributed to – the seismic evolution in women’s cycling.

Her victories have not just been personal triumphs but have also played pivotal roles in shaping and elevating the sport.

Yet, in a candid chat with NOS recently, the Dutch powerhouse reflected on the rapidly changing landscape of women’s cycling. She pondered that if she were to race a decade from now, some of her most iconic wins might not have been in the cards.

Why? Well, the sport is zooming towards an era of specialization, and that could shift the playing field.

Consider the Tour de France Femmes, a title Annemiek proudly clinched in the past. Fast forward a decade, and she believes her victory there might have been a far-off dream. “By no means am I a natural-born climber,” she quipped.

“I see a future where clinching the Tour de France Femmes might be out of reach for someone like me because of the influx of specialists in specific terrains. Truth be told, my build is more ‘Flandrien‘ – a tad more robust.”

That’s not necessarily a criticism of the direction the Grand Tours are heading in – indeed, that may be a natural by-product of the desire for the major women’s races to continue to develop to resemble the men’s Tours in length and scale.

Van Vleuten herself has played a significant role in elevating the profile and professionalism of women’s cycling, which has progressed vastly in the decade and a half since she began her career.

Shedding light on the rigors of the sport, van Vleuten shared the sacrifices she made to remain competitive, especially in races like the Tour.

“To stand a chance at the Tour, I often had to maintain a weight that, while still within healthy bounds, wasn’t quite where I’d naturally sit. It required meticulous attention to detail, down to weighing every meal.”

She also noted a similarity with her male peers, emphasizing the fine line athletes tread between optimal performance and overtraining. “It’s a tightrope walk. Thankfully, I’ve always sensed where the limit is, even though I’ve occasionally toed the line.”

Post-Racing Retirement Plans

“Training days? They’re behind me,” Annemiek remarked. “Sure, I might participate in events, but nothing with the same competitive fervor. Perhaps some leisurely gravel rides, but those intense interval sessions? Those are history.”

The relief of letting go of the relentless pursuit of peak performance resonates in her voice.

“The constant pressure to maintain top form? I’m ready to leave that behind. Yet, don’t count me out of the sport entirely. I’m eager to explore a fresh chapter, but I’ll probably take a year to truly figure out my next move.”

Goal-Oriented

As she contemplates life after professional cycling, she envisions a “purpose-driven” challenge awaiting her. “Will I feel a void? Honestly, my identity extends beyond the titles of a world champion or a professional cyclist,” she mused.

Annemiek’s boyfriend echoes this sentiment, reminding her of her multifaceted identity. “I cherish this broader perspective. Otherwise, retirement would feel like a loss of self.”

She’s always been driven by goals, both on and off the track. “Navigating a new path where I can further evolve? That’s the next challenge.”

Despite boasting a master’s in epidemiology, Annemiek remains tight-lipped about her precise post-retirement trajectory. One thing’s for sure, though: the common post-career shift to roles like team management isn’t on her radar.

I envision myself in an entrepreneurial role, or perhaps a consultant in the sports domain – my true love. I’m not inclined towards team leadership; it’s a bit too déjà vu. I cherish my independence.”

Through cycling, Annemiek has amassed a treasure trove of experiences – from forging connections worldwide to racing with diverse teams across varied terrains.

“The sport has granted me unparalleled experiences in breathtaking locales. It’s been an enriching journey, one I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Mental Coaching

As for her future pursuits, she’s inclined towards mentoring. “I have a penchant for mental coaching, particularly with budding athletes,” she revealed.

She continued, “My association with a mental coach has been instrumental. When people ask if a problem prompted this, I clarify: there was no crisis. I just aspired to elevate every facet of my performance.”

“Guiding my younger colleagues on mental fortitude? It’s incredibly fulfilling. I genuinely believe that’s where my future beckons.”

As the sun sets on Annemiek van Vleuten’s illustrious cycling career, we’re left with an array of memories – from heart-stopping victories to inspiring comebacks.

But as we flip through this anthology of achievements, what stands out the most is her unyielding spirit and drive. Her journey has etched a permanent mark on the world of cycling.

Where do you rank Annemiek in the pantheon of cycling greats? Which victory of hers holds a special place in your heart? And what will be your enduring memory of this cycling legend?

Join the conversation below and share your thoughts!

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Quentin's background in bike racing runs deep. In his youth, he won the prestigious junior Roc d'Azur MTB race before representing Belgium at the U17 European Championships in Graz, Austria. Shifting to road racing, he then competed in some of the biggest races on the junior calendar, including Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders, before stepping up to race Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Paris-Roubaix as an U23. With a breakthrough into the cut-throat environment of professional racing just out of reach, Quentin decided to shift his focus to embrace bike racing as a passion rather than a career. Now writing for BikeTips, Quentin's experience provides invaluable insight into performance cycling - though he's always ready to embrace the fun side of the sport he loves too and share his passion with others.

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