Annemiek van Vleuten - From €100 per month to Tour de France winner
One of the most decorated riders in modern cycling joins us on The Hotseat. Annemiek van Vleuten opens up about her unconventional path to the top of the sport, from studying animal science and zoonotic diseases in Wageningen to becoming a Tour de France winner and World Champion.
Starting her cycling career at 26, Van Vleuten shares how raw physical talent, relentless goal setting and a fearless mindset helped her rise through the peloton at a time when women’s cycling was still largely amateur. She reflects on the evolution of the sport, from earning just €100 per month to witnessing the rapid growth, professionalism and global attention the women’s peloton enjoys today.
From battling for position on the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders to managing the pressure and isolation of Grand Tour leadership, Van Vleuten offers a rare and honest perspective on what it really takes to win at the highest level and why, despite her dominance, she chose to walk away at her peak.
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