Karlijn Swinkels has been one of the best twenty female cyclists in the world in the UCI rankings for years. Yet the cyclist from Handel is not well known to the general public. Not yet.
“This is the first time I have been interviewed by you,” she says with a smile NOS. “I have of course been riding in the shadows for a long time. In recent years I have achieved quite good results, but mostly in smaller competitions. Whether my time has now come? Yes, I think so.”
Her victory in the famous classic Trofeo Alfredo Binda two weeks ago made an impression in the cycling world. Swinkels left the entire world top behind him in the final and beat fellow escapee Anna van der Breggen in the sprint.
For the 27-year-old late bloomer from Handel, that victory could easily be her breakthrough. “Some riders come over from the juniors and immediately perform at a very high level, such as Lorena Wiebes or Demi Vollering. Things were slightly different for me, because I was always just a little less fast or a little less good at climbing than someone else. And then you often end up riding for someone.”
“Whether Swinkels can make the step to the top? I dare say she is already there.”
Last winter, Swinkels talked to her team, UAE-ADQ, the women’s team of the star formation around Tadej Pogacar. “I think I have reached the point where I should be able to win big matches myself. But I do need support. This is the first season that they have also said: ‘we are going to make a plan for you, we believe in it’. And then it is great that it works immediately.” Sports director Michel Cornelisse has no doubts: “Whether Swinkels can make the step to the top? I dare say she is already there.”
Two years ago, the former world junior time trial champion closed the door at Jumbo-Visma and chose UAE-ADQ. “I also really enjoyed my time at Jumbo-Visma,” said Swinkels. “I had a great example in Marianne Vos. I was able to compete in many competitions for her, which I am very happy with. But at a certain point I became hungry for more.
For me, the Tour of Flanders is the greatest classic there is. Participating there for the win, that is of course a dream
The most important weeks are now starting for Swinkels. To start with In Flanders Fields Sunday. “I had to miss this period last year due to an injury, so every match feels like a blessing to me,” says Swinkels. “I was already fourth in this race, but I also know that it often ends in a sprint.”
She is focusing even more on the Tour of Flanders, the race she already explored on her own this spring. “For me, the Tour of Flanders is the greatest classic there is. Participating there for victory is of course a dream. I also want to be good in the Amstel Gold Race. And I hope to be able to participate in the world championship in Canada this year.”
