'I need to find a way to beat her' - Van der Breggen relishing challenge of facing Vollering after surprising herself at Strade Bianche

SIENA, ITALY - MARCH 08: Anna Van Der Breggen of Netherlands and Team SD Worx - Protime competes in the breakaway during the 11st Strade Bianche 2025, Women's Elite a 136km one day race from Siena to Siena 320m / #UCIWWT / on March 08, 2025 in Siena, Italy. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

After the women’s Strade Bianche, it was as if Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) had never been away from the peloton. In her Women’s WorldTour comeback after three years away from racing, she stood on the podium on the Piazza del Campo in Siena, having finished second behind Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez). 

It confirmed that Van der Breggen is not only still competitive but remains one of the absolute best riders in the world. Some may have expected such a performance from the former world and Olympic champion, but for her, it came as a surprise.

Lukas Knöfler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews’ Women’s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.

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