Shirin Van Anrooij clinched her first UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup podium for over two years and hopes to be competing for victories in the forthcoming weeks.
The 23-year-old has had a turbulent few years after a rib injury ended her season early in 2023, before missing last ‘cross campaign to undergo iliac artery endofibrosis surgery.
“I’m getting closer and closer back to a good cyclo-cross shape,” added Van Anrooij.
“I’m super happy to be back. It’s really beautiful after two years to be back on the podium of the World Cup.”
Race winner Lucinda Brand described the conditions on one section as more like ‘aqua biking’ than cyclocross.
Van Alphen finished stronger to take the runner-up position, while in just her third ‘cross race of the season, Van Anrooij completed the podium in third.
“It was a nice battle with Aniek (Van Alphen),” said Van Anrooij
“I had some mechanical problems also in the final half of the lap, too much sand and mud around the chain. There was also a lot of time to change bikes.
“It was a really nice battle, she was just a bit stronger. After my really bad start it was nice to get back to the podium after two years.”
Van Anrooij recovered from her iliac artery endofibrosis surgery to have a successful road racing campaign during 2025, finishing third in stage 6 of the Giro d’Italia Women and fourth on stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
The Dutch national came into the ‘cross season after being cruelly denied a solo victory in the Gravel World Championships.
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