Marianne Vos spent her off-season in Australia. She got back last week and cannot wait to start her new CX campaign. On Saturday 16 December, our 7-times cyclo-cross world champion starts her season in the Scheldecross (Antwerp). “The cross has been itching for a while.”

In the meantime accustomed to the Netherlands again?
“My time in Australia was amazing, which I won’t easily forget. But upon my return, I knew for sure I was back in the Netherlands. In Australia, it was often hot, between 30 and 35 degrees. Here in the Netherlands, the cold had the upper hand.  Previous years, I sometimes suffered from these differences in temperatures, but not this time. I was able to train very well during my first week back; obviously, I took it easy in terms of exertion. I feel fit.”

Did you get on the cyclo-cross bike straightaway?
“Prior to leaving for Australia, I had already trained on the cross bike. It already started itching then. I was able to complete a set of decent trainings, specifically for the cross. Upon my return, a beautiful new Ridley cross bike was waiting for me, giving me an instant confident feeling. It is important now to fine-tune that feeling for which I have another week and a half.”

Did you follow cyclo-cross during your off-season?
“Of course. What strikes me, is that the field amongst the women is getting closer. More and more names turn up which led to some amazing cyclo-cross races. I’m not sure yet what place has been reserved for me. The first race is always exciting, only afterwards, you are better aware of your level and where you stand.”

How did you compile your cyclo-cross season?
“My season looks pretty similar to last year’s, also in terms of the number of races. My trainer and I looked as much as possible for a balance, a good ratio between races and rest. I know the impact a cyclo-cross can have on the body. In the end, it all comes down to compete to the fullest in the races I signed up for.”

What is your goal?
“It will be a relatively short season. Firstly, I need some races to get into the rhythm, and afterwards, I hope to compete with the best. Cyclo-cross helps me in the preparation of the road season, but obviously, I want to perform as well as possible during this period. The world championship this year takes place in our own country which makes it even more special.  I hope to be in my best shape in Valkenburg.”

Programme in 2017

-       Saturday 16 December: Scheldecross Antwerp

-       Saturday 23 December: Waaslandcross Sint-Niklaas

-       Tuesday 26 December: WorldCup-cross Heusden-Zolder

-       Saturday 30 December: Superprestige Cross Diegem