Anouska Koster believes her recent training block in Norway will give her an edge as Team Jumbo-Visma Women head into a busy week of racing in Scandinavia. The team will contest the Postnord Vårgårda West Sweden this weekend before lining up for the Tour of Scandinavia on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old has not raced since the Giro Donne, choosing instead to focus on a short period of preparation in the Nordic region. “I went to Scandinavia and did my training here. I think it went super well. In addition, I enjoy the beautiful nature and I can also relax a bit,” Koster said. “After a small break, I want to race again. I feel fine and want to show myself.”
Racing begins on Saturday with a 36-kilometre team time trial in Sweden. While the squad have not trained specifically for the discipline, Koster is optimistic. “Last year, we rode a team time trial in the Giro. For many girls it will be the first time they ride this discipline in this composition, but we will fight for a good result.”
Sunday’s road stage could see the team ride in support of Marianne Vos. “That day, we will try to bring Marianne to the finish as good as possible. Hopefully she can perform well. Her form is currently good.”
The following day, the team will travel to Copenhagen for the start of the six-day Tour of Scandinavia, which will take the peloton from Denmark to Norway. “The race offers opportunities to sprinters and climbers. I want to show myself as soon as the road goes up and hope to go up with the best. The Giro went well for me in that regard,” Koster said. “Perhaps I can ride a good classification that way. That would be a nice and welcome bonus. We want to show ourselves as a team in the coming week and will do everything to be in the front. We are ready and looking forward to it.”
