Published January 13, 2026 20:12:10
the Resurgence of a champion
Anna van der Breggen, widely considered one of the greatest riders in women’s cycling history, is entering the second year of her remarkable comeback, and she’s doing so with renewed confidence and ambition. After a stunning return to the sport in 2025, the Dutch powerhouse is setting her sights on a historic third world championship title. This pursuit comes after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus prompted by mental and physical exhaustion.
A Career Defined by Victory
Van der Breggen’s career boasts an impressive 63 wins, a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication. Her accolades include an Olympic gold medal in the road race, two world championship victories (2018, 2020), two Giro d’Italia Internazionale Femminile titles, and a record-breaking seven consecutive wins at the Flèche wallonne. This impressive palmarès solidified her status as a dominant force in the sport before her unexpected retirement in September 2021.
The 2025 season: A Foundation for Success
Her return in 2025 wasn’t about immediatly reclaiming dominance, but rather gauging her form and rediscovering her rhythm. Despite not achieving the same level of supremacy as before her retirement, Van der Breggen delivered remarkably strong performances. Highlights included a tactically astute stage win at the Vuelta España Femenina, a third-place overall finish in the same race, and consistent podium finishes in other major events like the Giro d’Italia Women and Strade Bianche Donne. She capped off the season with a silver medal in the TT at the World Championships and a bronze in the road race at the Europeans, signaling her return to elite-level competition.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Now, entering 2026, Van der Breggen feels a significant improvement in her endurance and intensity, as she told sporza. She’s approaching the season with a different mindset, leveraging the lessons learned in 2025. Her race schedule will kick off at the UAE Tour,followed by the Ardennes classics,Strade Bianche,and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda – key spring classics that align with her strengths.
The Allure of the Rainbow jersey
While Van der Breggen acknowledges the challenge of the Tour de France Femmes, her primary focus remains the UCI Road World Championships. She has openly expressed her deep affection for the rainbow jersey, having experienced the unique joy of wearing it after her previous world championship victories. The 2026 championship course in Canada, characterized by its hilly terrain, particularly suits her climbing prowess.
“I always think the world championship is a highlight of the season. Riding around in a rainbow jersey has been one of the best experiences in cycling for me,” she stated.”It’s a nice course, yes. You don’t have that every year.I always said that at a world championships you have to take your chance when the course is there. So I’m definitely very happy with the world championship course this year.”
Contract and Future Plans
With her current contract with SD Worx-protime expiring at the end of 2026,Van der Breggen’s future remains an open question. A strong performance, particularly a accomplished world championship campaign, could certainly influence contract negotiations. However, regardless of the future, her enthusiasm for the sport remains unwavering.
“I really enjoyed it,” she reflected on 2025. “It’s nice that I can still do this. It actually went super well.”
Key Takeaways
- anna van der Breggen is targeting a third world championship title in 2026, demonstrating her renewed ambition after a successful return to cycling.
- Her 2025 season served as a crucial foundation, rebuilding her endurance and race sharpness.
- The hilly course of the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Canada plays to Van der Breggen’s strengths as a climber.
- Her long-term future in the sport is currently uncertain, with her contract expiring at the end of 2026.
