2025 was the year of Anna Van Der Breggen's big comeback, a total gamble that immediately sparked tremendous curiosity. The Dutch champion, born in '90, not only found her place in the peloton again but proved that despite four seasons away from competitive cycling, she hadn't lost her champion's touch. In the January 2025 media day, she was quite cautious, with no major goals, just the desire to feel good and understand the new dynamics - almost a trial year to see how things might go, but as we know, for an athlete of her caliber, winning is a necessity.

Interviewing Anna Van Der Breggen always has a certain effect, not only because she's an athlete who has practically won everything, but especially because you're dealing with someone who has a comprehensive view of the entire women's movement. Connecting from the Dutch team headquarters, she appears as serene as usual, responding to our questions with her characteristic smile, immediately making one thing clear: coming back was the right choice. "2025 wasn't the easiest year, I worked hard and I'm truly happy with my decision. Coming back was the right choice, and getting good results confirms this. It's difficult to say whether it's more beautiful today or four years ago - it's a very different cycling with different tactics and racing styles. Since I returned to racing, I've become more aware of what a privilege it is to practice this sport at a competitive level, and I'm fully enjoying this opportunity. The group's level has changed a lot - before, it was always the same athletes making the difference, now there are several girls who try to attack and test themselves, even if on paper they're not the favorites. I'm very happy about this change because while it's true that it's harder to win, the races are becoming much more exciting, they enthuse and attract a lot of public and new faces," explains Anna, and it's striking to think that just a year earlier, she had expressed all her doubts about starting again. Many things have changed in the four years that saw her transition from athlete to sports director, there has been a true evolution in the world of cycling that however hasn't stopped being that special place she has always loved.

The stage victory at the Vuelta and numerous placings accumulated during 2025 are proof that Anna continues to be an absolute talent capable of adapting to a changing movement and finding her space again. Beyond races and results, the Dutchwoman has never hidden that her main objective was to return to experiencing cycling in its purest form, to love it without focusing too much on performances but finally enjoying a race. Anna thus rediscovered herself as an athlete rather than a dominator, and facing a completely transformed movement, she found an entire team ready to support her. "We're experiencing a new phase of cycling, and I've realized there are new challenges to face. The most difficult thing I found was positioning in the group - until four years ago, it was easy to move from last to first position, an operation that could be done quite independently, today it's absolutely impossible. Racing without a team is impossible, it's a cycling where individuality no longer counts, but the group. If you want to win a big race, you can't do it alone, you need your teammates. At the same time, even more attention is required - you can't afford to stay in the back because the race could explode at any moment. The races become more difficult, but it's a change that stimulates me and is good for cycling. I must truly thank my teammates - the Sd Worx team has always been very united, and together they helped me become familiar with these new dynamics. It was the biggest challenge I had to face, and I'm happy to have found my place."

Not even for 2026 does Anna want to make grand proclamations. What is certain is that she can not only still be competitive but can truly make a difference. In an Sd Worx made of stars like Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, the Rio 2016 Olympic champion remains a stable reference point. There are many races we'd like to see her compete in, like her beloved Ardennes where last year, due to some seasonal ailments, she was never present, or in a grand tour. But Anna, with the honesty that distinguishes her, explains how she would like to approach her season. "I don't have a specific race to bet everything on - in my position, that wouldn't be the correct approach. I prefer to have as my main goal to feel good and improve on what I did last year. Betting everything on a particular race is extremely risky. We're in a phase where cycling has reached a very high level, and if you want to make a difference, you need to be in form, but things could still go wrong at any moment, and if that happens on that specific day, there's a risk of throwing away an entire season. Looking back a year ago, I think I've made a step forward. I train with more motivation, I can't wait to race, I feel better, and above all, I have the conviction of doing what I love without the need to prove anything to others." Anna continues, who will be at the start of the UAE Tour already hunting for a stage. The Dutch athlete's program will include the Ardennes classics, all three grand tours, and races in Italy like Giro, Strade Bianche, and Trofeo Binda. There's no ambition for a victory or a podium, only to show the best version of herself doing what she loves.

(photo Tornanti)