Lieke Nooijen heads into the Giro d’Italia Women with renewed confidence and a clear aim: to rebuild race rhythm and test herself after a long injury layoff. The 23-year-old Dutch rider is making her second appearance in the Italian Grand Tour, and after a strong comeback at the National Time Trial Championships, she’s feeling optimistic.
Nooijen fractured a vertebra during a training camp in January and spent over five months sidelined. Her return to racing came last week in Surhuisterveen, where she claimed bronze in the Dutch ITT and delivered a solid performance in the road race. “It’s nice to start the season like this,” she said. “In training I already noticed that I was doing well, but it’s nice when it also comes out in the races. That gives a lot of confidence.”
She sees the Giro not just as a race, but as an important milestone in her recovery. “I’m really up for it. I like being back on the road with the team and living like a pro, which I did miss in the past few months.” After the seriousness of her injury, Nooijen took a considered approach to her recovery. “I really had the realisation: this is my back. I would like to use it in life after my career as well. I wanted to do everything possible to make the recovery as good and healthy as possible.”
Initially restricted to walking, she resumed training in early May. Rehabilitation progressed faster than expected, which she attributes to her mindset. “I have a pretty positive attitude. Of course I was disappointed when it happened, but I also knew there was nothing I could do about it. I tried to look ahead and look for a spot on the horizon.”
That horizon is now firmly focused on the Giro’s opening 14km time trial in Bergamo. “That time trial is a real goal. I’m going full out and then we’ll see what it’s worth.” She’s realistic about her form, viewing the week as a springboard. “My goal is to come out of the Giro stronger than I am going into it. I hope to lay a nice building block for the rest of the season.”
Support from teammates and staff played a key role in her recovery. “Several staff members came to my house and the girls came by as well. They all sympathised with me and made me feel involved with the team. I really appreciated that.” That atmosphere of trust and connection led her to extend her contract by another two years. “It feels like home. There is mutual trust and I am hungry to perform.”
