Eight years after her last world title in cyclo-cross, Marianne Vos became world champion again on Saturday. In the American Fayetteville she won in the sprint against Lucinda Brand, whom she also defeated in the battle for the Dutch title a few weeks earlier in Rucphen. Vos was grateful afterwards. She couldn’t quite believe that she had succeeded.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult game. Lucinda is so hard to beat. She also put a lot of pressure on me. I tried that later in the game, but there was no getting away. I had to stay calm and focus on the sprint,” said the 34-year-old cycling legend after her victory. “I almost can not believe it.”
In 2006 she became world champion in cyclo-cross for the first time, in Zeddam. After that, between 2009 and 2014 she managed to crown herself six more times as the best motocross rider. And now, in 2022, she can wear the rainbow jersey belonging to the world title again.
According to Vos, not much has changed since her previous world title. “I’ve always kept doing what I’ve been doing all these years. With great support from my family and the team (Jumbo-Visma). I am grateful to be able to stand on the highest step here again. It’s an incredible feeling to be world champion again after so many years.”
Which world title is the most beautiful? The answer to that question makes sense at the moment. Although Vos would rather not choose, she says in front of the NOS camera. “It is the last one, it is the freshest in the memory. That is what you are working on. This is of course very beautiful. But you cannot compare competitions or titles with each other. It is always special to be able to ride a championship. And sure to win a championship.”
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