Lots of nerves and then emotions. The European cyclo-cross title of Inge van der Heijden from Schaijk meant a lot to her family. Brother Bjorn calls the championship a dream for the family. “A wonderful reward for all the work that goes into it.”
Bjorn, like his brother Maik, father Marcel and mother Annemieke, is often there when Inge cycles in a race. The father of a young daughter was unable to attend the European Championships in Middelkerke, Belgium, but had to make do with the live broadcast on television. “I was more restless than normal. I was so nervous until the finish and when the win was a fact, the emotions came,” he says a day after the win.
The European Championship was discussed several times earlier this week, including at the dining table. “Lucinda Brand was the top favorite. But Inge rode so strong and flawless that no one could overtake her. This European title is a very big fish that she caught. She was so close in previous major competitions, but then there were always others who won the prizes. For example, at the World Cup she was fourth, no one talks about that. By the way, we are also proud of Inge if she does not win.”
The bond between Inge, her brothers and parents is close. “I have cycled competitions before, so I know how important it is to have trusted people to help you,” says Bjorn. “When I stopped, I started helping my brother Maik and then our Inge.”
He continues: “Mom, for example, is also very important. Every time Inge returns from a competition or training, all the dirty clothes go into the washing machine. Our family’s life is dominated by her career, especially in a cross season. Inge of course has to do it on the bike, we try to relieve her of her worries as best as possible.”
In Schaijk, the garden of Inge and her family was decorated by neighbors and friends on Saturday evening. “They came home late in the evening, then we had a beer. There is another party on Sunday afternoon, but the next match is on Tuesday. We will have a big party after the season.”
Inge van der Heijden joined the Uden Cycling Club at the age of seven. Chairman Tjerry van Schijndel is extremely proud of the European champion.
“We received one congratulations after another in the club app. Inge is not only a great champion, but like the rest of the family, very involved. Whenever we ask her for a favor and if she has time, she always cooperates. This ensures that every member knows her and is proud of this achievement.”
“She can completely say that she was the strongest.”
The title did not come as a complete surprise to Van Schijndel. “If you look at her performance, you see that she had already made the step to the absolute top. She may not have been the top favorite, but if you can reach the podium, you can also win with a good day. Afterwards, Inge can wholeheartedly say that she was the strongest.”
The chairman of Cycling Association Uden, the club that organizes the Youth Cyclo-Cross Championships on January 24, 2026, does not rule out that more great victories will follow. “Sometimes talents come very quickly and then they often disappear quickly. Inge is an example of a top athlete who has developed step by step in a very good environment. There is certainly more to it.”
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