Chantal van den Broek-Blaak has determined to increase her profession and contract with SD Worx-Protime for yet another yr, trying to make her eleventh season with the staff her remaining one within the skilled peloton.
The rider had initially deliberate to retire in 2022 however signed on by way of until the tip of 2024 when it grew to become more and more clear that she wasn’t but executed with skilled biking and was reassured that plans to begin a household have been no cause to hesitate.
The Dutch rider had a 2023 season with no racing as she welcomed her first little one, returning to the peloton in 2024. Van Den Broek-Blaak could not have had the smoothest of runs although it wasn’t a season with out success, the rider claiming the pink, white and blue Dutch champion’s jersey.
“Final yr, she had numerous accidents and sicknesses,” mentioned sports activities supervisor Danny Stam in an announcement. “Hopefully she may have few setbacks in 2025 in order that she will showcase the champion’s jersey in full once more. We subsequently didn’t hesitate for lengthy to current her with one other one-year contract.”
In her years with SD Worx-Protime, in its numerous incarnations, Van den Broek-Blaak has captured victories that embrace the World Championships street race, Amstel Gold Race, Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, Gent Wevelgem, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and The Boels Girls Tour – twice.
“It didn’t change into the season I hoped for, nevertheless it has been a sensible yr,” mentioned Van den Broek-Blaak. “Turning into a mom throughout a top-level sports activities profession means you really should take two years off. Within the run-up to the NK [Dutch Championships], I felt I may practice and get well like outdated instances once more.
“That nationwide title was affirmation that my emotions have been proper. Turning into Dutch champion as a mom, it’s an absolute spotlight in my profession. I can cycle my final yr in red-white-blue, a profession couldn’t finish extra superbly.”
The staff pointed to the rider, who has had so many prime outcomes all through her biking profession, as one of the crucial vital tradition carriers within the staff and the 34-year-old has mentioned she desires to have the ability to go on her expertise and data. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply she is not going to even be chasing extra outcomes herself.
“The efficiency drive is there,” mentioned Van den Broek-Blaak. “Whether or not I’ll actually be capable to cease on a excessive, I don’t know but. However that winner’s mentality is a part of who I’m.
“I’ll practice arduous and do all the things I can to get all the things out of it yet another time. I need to contest finals. If I can’t win anymore, I may even be at peace with passing the baton.”
