Anna van der Breggen, Dutch cyclist

Anna van der Breggen, born on April 18, 1990, stands as one of the Netherlands' most illustrious former professional road bicycle racers. Hailing from a nation with a rich heritage in cycling, she concluded her remarkable career with the UCI Women's WorldTeam SD Worx, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Her professional journey was adorned with numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a true legend. A crowning moment arrived at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's road race, showcasing her tactical brilliance and formidable endurance on a global stage. Beyond the Olympic glory, van der Breggen demonstrated unparalleled consistency in stage racing, particularly through her four triumphant victories in the prestigious Giro d'Italia Femminile, a multi-day event considered one of the toughest challenges in women's cycling. Her prowess extended to the UCI Road World Championships, where she twice claimed the rainbow jersey in the women's road race, first in 2018 and again in 2020, asserting her dominance against the world's elite riders.

A Master of All Terrains: The Versatile Rider

Widely regarded as one of the most versatile cyclists of her generation, Anna van der Breggen possessed a rare ability to excel across a diverse range of races. Whether tackling the high-intensity demands of one-day classics or the sustained effort required for multi-stage tours, she consistently delivered top-tier performances. Her particular strength shone brightest on hilly terrains, where her climbing ability and tactical acumen often proved decisive. This adaptability allowed her to contend for victory in virtually any race she entered, making her a formidable opponent.

Reigning Supreme in the Classics

Among her most celebrated achievements is her unparalleled dominance in the Ardennes Classics. In a breathtaking display of strength and strategy in 2017, van der Breggen achieved a historic feat by winning all three Ardennes races – the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège – within a single week. This extraordinary accomplishment rightfully earned her the distinguished moniker, "Queen of the Ardennes."

Her collection of victories in these iconic one-day races extends well beyond that singular week. She holds an incredible record of seven consecutive wins at La Flèche Wallonne Féminine, a testament to her consistent mastery of the Mur de Huy's daunting slopes. Additionally, she triumphed twice at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, further cementing her legacy in these challenging spring classics. Other significant victories in her illustrious career include the Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race (besides her 2017 win), Strade Bianche, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and the European Road Race Championships, showcasing her comprehensive skill set across various European races.

Continued Success and Farewell to the Peloton

Van der Breggen's career continued to flourish with significant victories in subsequent years. Following her Ardennes sweep, she secured her second overall victory at the Giro d'Italia Femminile in the summer of 2018. Her remarkable run at La Flèche Wallonne continued, with her fifth consecutive win in the race coming in April 2019. The 2020 season proved to be particularly memorable; not only did she demonstrate her versatility by clinching both the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race titles at the UCI World Championships, but it was also during this year that she announced her intention to retire from the demanding sport at the conclusion of the 2021 season, signaling the end of an era for women's professional cycling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anna van der Breggen

Who is Anna van der Breggen?
Anna van der Breggen is a Dutch former professional road bicycle racer, widely recognized for her numerous victories in major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Grand Tours.
What are Anna van der Breggen's most significant career achievements?
Among her most notable achievements are winning the gold medal in the women's road race at the 2016 Summer Olympics, securing two UCI Road World Championship titles (2018, 2020), and clinching the Giro d'Italia Femminile on four separate occasions.
Why is she known as the "Queen of the Ardennes"?
She earned this esteemed nickname after achieving a historic clean sweep of all three Ardennes Classics (Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège) in a single week during the 2017 season.
When did Anna van der Breggen retire from professional cycling?
Anna van der Breggen announced her retirement during the 2020 season and concluded her professional cycling career at the end of the 2021 season.
What kind of cyclist was Anna van der Breggen?
She was considered one of the most versatile riders of her generation, excelling in both grueling one-day classics and challenging multi-stage races, particularly distinguishing herself on hilly and mountainous terrains.
How many times did Anna van der Breggen win La Flèche Wallonne Féminine?
She holds an exceptional record of seven consecutive victories at La Flèche Wallonne Féminine, showcasing her consistent dominance on the race's iconic climbs.
Which was Anna van der Breggen's last professional team?
She last rode professionally for the UCI Women's WorldTeam SD Worx.