Pauliena Rooijakkers has taken big steps in the last two seasons towards the world top. The 32-year-old cyclist from Schijndel was therefore called by national coach Laurens ten Dam for the World Cup in Rwanda on Saturday 27 September. She has a clear goal in the coming years. “I do my best to get on the podiums in the big rounds.”
Rooijakkers can look back on a busy season. For example, De Brabantse with Limburg roots already participated in La Vuelta Femenina, Giro d’Italia Women and the Tour de France Femmes, the three largest cycling rounds in the world. “Those are competitions that I really like to drive and where my qualities are. In the training sessions I specifically focused on it.”
After the Giro and the Tour, at the beginning of August, it was time to take a break. “I noticed that I needed a reset, it was a busy period. Then I decided on my own initiative to go to Livigno, Italy for a two and a half week in preparation for the World Cup. I am a lot alone, but it is worth the investment.”
The height train is not for nothing, because the competition in Rwanda has a length of 164.6 kilometers with around 3350 altimeters. “A tough trail, but I think it is. It will be debilitating and I like that. In principle it is the heavier, the better.”
During the World Cup, she will mainly get a supporting role. “I hoped to get a place in the World Cup selection and we have succeeded. We have a strong group, in which Demi Volling, Marianne Vos and Anna van der Breggen have a higher status. I hope to be in the final and play a role for the Netherlands. But a course is unpredictable, you never know how it goes.”
“Everything is allowed in terms of food.”
After the World Cup, the Prof of Fenix-DECEUNINCK does not touch the bike for a few weeks. “I can release the top sport life completely. I can hear that extremely, everything is allowed in terms of food.”
Then the full focus is on a new season, with the foundation being laid in the winter. “Working hard to grow content is a great feeling. I always like to train. The winter is very important to me. The general level of cycling is increasing and I have to come along. Due to, for example, heights, more attention for food and specific training courses I have become a better rider.”
Her full training agenda ensures that there is virtually no room for beach races. On the sand she was already European champion three times. “It might be possible to cycle a few competitions on the beach, but otherwise my full attention goes to the road.”
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With a third place last year and recently a ninth place in the Tour de France Femmes, plus four years in a row in the Giro, she surprised herself. The stage in the big rounds is its goal for the coming years. “Last year I really took a big step towards the top and I took that form this season. I want to develop further, that is often in small things. I have faith in that.”
In addition to Pauliena Rooijakkers, a Brabant cyclist has been selected: Yara Kastelijn from Neerkant. For the men, Tilburger Sam Oomen is in the selection.