Great news comes from UAE Team ADQ and, this time, it goes beyond the world of competition. Dutch cyclist Pauliena Rooijakkers has announced that she is expecting her first child. The birth is expected for next November.

Thirty-three years old as of May 12th, originally from Venray in Limburg, Rooijakkers discovered her pregnancy a few weeks ago. A special moment that marks an important new chapter in her personal and professional life.

During her career, Pauliena Rooijakkers has achieved two professional victories and has obtained prestigious results at the international level, including an impressive third place in the overall classification of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes and a stage podium at the Giro d'Italia Women. After her debut with the UAE Team ADQ jersey, which took place last February in Valencia, the athlete had been working with the team to find the best physical and mental balance in preparation for her return to competition after a difficult period.

“In recent years, the level of women's cycling has risen incredibly – declared Pauliena Rooijakkers –. It is a sport that demands more and more from our bodies and, as athletes, sometimes we must face complex moments from the perspective of health and personal well-being. In these months, thanks to the team's support, I have worked a lot on myself to regain serenity, balance and well-being. The pregnancy was a surprise, but it is something that makes me immensely happy as a woman. For me it also represents a positive sign, confirmation that my body is doing well. These are completely new emotions and I probably still need to fully realize what is happening, but I can say that I feel deeply happy and grateful for the idea that soon a child will enter our lives”.

The future mother's gaze, however, remains also focused on her sporting path: “At this moment I want to fully live this new phase of my life, but I also feel that I have not yet expressed all my potential in cycling. The intention is to return to the bike after pregnancy. Even in recent months I have continued to train almost every day and to follow the team's races on TV with great interest. Cycling continues to be an important part of my life and I will try to return to competing next season, as many other athletes who have undertaken this same path have done”.

Yana Seel, Team Principal of UAE Team ADQ added: “We wish Pauliena all the best for this important moment in her life. We can only welcome such news with joy. The team will continue to support her and we are convinced that this new experience will enrich the woman, but will also give us back a new cyclist”.