Dutch sprinter Charlotte Kool has set her sights on the yellow jersey as the Tour de France Femmes kicks off in Rotterdam. Speaking with her team on Team dsm-firmenich PostNL.nl, Kool discussed her ambitions for the race, reflecting on her season so far and the significance of starting the Tour on home soil.
Kool’s 2024 campaign has been marked by a mix of challenges and breakthroughs. Early in the season, she was plagued by illness, which disrupted her preparation and left her playing catch-up. “I got sick in February,” Kool shared, noting how the timing of her illness affected her early season form. Despite these setbacks, she managed to secure several podium finishes in the Spring Classics and early season stage races, highlighting her resilience.
Her first win of the year came during the Baloise Ladies Tour, a victory that provided a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Tour. Reflecting on her progress, Kool downplayed concerns over her win tally, focusing instead on her journey back to full fitness. “A lot of people were saying I hadn’t won all year, but I honestly didn’t feel it like that,” she said, explaining that her main worry was not feeling at her best during training and races.
Now, as she prepares for the biggest race of the year, Kool is feeling fit and ready. “I’m really excited about the Tour de France Femmes. At the Baloise Ladies Tour, I didn’t feel 100 per cent yet because I had some problems, but that’s all gone and I’m feeling fit again. I’m healthy and ready for the biggest goal of the year,” she stated.
Photo Credit: Cor VosThe opening stage in Rotterdam holds particular significance for Kool, as she has trained on the local roads, with her partner residing in the city. The support of the Dutch crowd, coupled with the presence of her family, is expected to provide additional motivation. “It’s huge that the race starts in the Netherlands… it’s exciting that I’ll be able to race on some of the roads I’ve trained on before. It’s special,” she said.
However, Kool will face stiff competition in her quest for the yellow jersey. One of her key rivals is Lorena Wiebes, whom she narrowly beat in a chaotic finish at the Baloise Ladies Tour. Despite this victory, Kool has yet to directly beat Wiebes in 2024, a stark contrast to her success against her rival in 2023. Additionally, Elisa Balsamo, who is returning from a broken arm, will also be a formidable contender, aiming to outsprint Kool and claim a stage win of her own.
Kool is clear about her ambitions: she’s aiming to win a stage and pull on the yellow jersey. “With the sprints, we aim to go for the win. That’s been my goal since the winter… There’s also a yellow jersey waiting on the first day, so that’s the biggest goal for me,” Kool remarked. She recalled her attempt to claim the yellow jersey on the first day of last year’s Tour, where she finished third. This time, she believes the course suits her better and that victory is within reach. “When I saw the course, this became a really big goal… Last year I won everywhere apart from in the Tour, and this year I hope it’s the other way around,” she added.
Main photo credit: Chloe Knott for London Marathon Events
