After taking some days off post-Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TdFF), I visited Switzerland to recon the World Championships course. I can tell you one thing—it’s not easy! But it’s the kind of course that will suit many riders, depending on how the race unfolds. It’s going to be interesting to watch!
World Championships come at the end of the season, usually after months of hard work and concentration. By this point, many riders can struggle with motivation, as it’s hard to maintain the same level of discipline when you’re already exhausted. Personally, after the TdFF, I felt really flat when it came to training. I was going out just because I had to, not because I wanted to. I think it was just tiredness and feeling deflated.
Then I got COVID and was pulled out of racing with my team, forced to take four days completely off. That actually rebuilt my desire to race because something was taken away from me without my choice. Once I recovered, I focused on enjoying the bike again—riding with friends instead of worrying about power numbers. That helped everything fall back into place.
Now, with a fresh mind and body, I’m excited to race in Zurich. I see the potential for a great result. I’ve completed the final hard training sessions, simulating the rolling course, and I’ve been dreaming of crossing the finish line first. At this stage, I believe mental freshness is more important than sticking to a strict plan since all my hard work this season is still in my legs.
Assessing the competition at the world championships
I always pay attention to strong nations like the Netherlands and Italy. They come to Worlds with several riders capable of winning, which makes their tactics smoother and easier to control.
Before the race, my team and I analyse the start list and highlight the riders most likely to win or who’ll have the strongest support from their teams. Personally, I’m keeping an eye on Lotte Kopecky and Marianne Vos on this type of course. They both have great race instincts and know how to position themselves well in the peloton, avoiding bad luck and staying focused on the final.
World Championships are raced differently from other classics, since we represent our countries instead of our trade teams. This makes the race dynamic a bit unpredictable, which I actually find exciting.
Sticking to my style on a new course
During the recon, I definitely noted parts of the course where I could play to my strengths. I like it—it’s hilly, demanding, and quite technical. I only wish there was more climbing before the finish line, rather than the 7km of flat roads, as that could neutralise the race.
Mentally preparing for the unpredictability
I try to put all my energy into my own performance and my team’s. I prefer to disconnect from what’s happening around me and avoid worrying about how others prepare. That helps me stay calm and focused on my goals.
Having raced in the professional peloton for ten years, I’ve learned to accept the unpredictable nature of World Championships. I’ve also gained confidence in choosing the right moments to go into breakaways—opportunities I wouldn’t have taken earlier in my career. Worlds is such an open style of racing, which really favours riders who aren’t afraid to take risks.
Managing group dynamics and breakaways
Staying calm and paying attention to the peloton is key. In the past, I’d get nervous when breakaways went, wasting energy in moments when others were saving themselves for the final. Now, I can often tell who the leaders will be for most nations, which helps me understand the tactics and movements within the peloton.
Gaining a competitive edge on this course
I feel this course gives me an edge. It’s much more inspiring for me to race on a challenging course where I know I can make a difference, rather than just rolling along on a flat course waiting for the sprint.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the perfect moment to attack while training, which makes the dream feel more tangible. At this point in my career, I want to seize every single opportunity and not let anything slip by. I’m highly motivated to race the hardest race of my life and bring home a medal.
