Ane Santesteban motivated to return after injury struggles; retirement at end of 2026

Ane Santesteban

Ane Santesteban has shared her excitement to return to racing after a challenging 2024 season plagued by health issues. Speaking to Berria, the 34-year-old from Errenteria, Gipuzkoa, reflected on her difficulties, treatment, and ambitions for the 2025 season, which she indicated could be the start of her final chapter in professional cycling.

Santesteban described 2024 as one of the hardest years of her career. “It was a very difficult year personally,” she explained. “Until April, everything was fine, but then I got sick in Belgium, and it all went downhill from there. I started having back pain, and my left leg wasnโ€™t right either. I was doing everything perfectly in terms of training and nutrition, but in races, I just felt bad over and over again. Mentally, it was so tough.”

The cause of her discomfort was only identified after extensive medical checks. “They found a large cyst on my right ovary,” Santesteban revealed. “Iโ€™ve started treatment, and although the cyst is still there, Iโ€™m no longer in pain. Initially, I thought the pain was coming from my back, but after an MRI showed everything was fine there, I couldnโ€™t understand what was wrong. Eventually, we discovered the real issue. Knowing the cause brought me some relief, even though itโ€™s not an ideal situation.”

Rebuilding after a long layoff

Santesteban has not raced since the Tour de France Femmes in August 2024, where she made the difficult decision to end her season early. The extended break allowed her to recover fully, and she resumed training in October. “At first, I took several weeks off, thinking it would help,” she said. “But even at home, doing no sport, I was still in pain. When my doctor called in September and I told him how bad I still felt, we finally started getting answers. From mid-October, I began training again, spending many hours both on the road and in the gym. Iโ€™ve worked hard this winter and taken care of every detail. I feel strong now and ready for whatโ€™s ahead.”

Santesteban had planned to kick off her 2025 season at the Women Pro Cycling Costa de Almeria on 19th January, but that race has ended up being cancelled last minute. She is also looking to compete in Valencia next month. Because of the late cancellation, there’s a chance we might see her in the Challenge Mallorca races instead. She admitted to being eager to race again but plans to take a steady approach. “The wait has felt incredibly long, and Iโ€™ve missed racing so much. But Iโ€™ll take it easier at the start this year. I ended last season quite early and had to take a long break to sort out my health issues. My goal is to be at my peak for the races in May, especially those at home.”

Ane Santesteban
Ane Sanesteban

A united team spirit

The Laboural Kutxa rider spoke highly of her teamโ€™s dynamic, describing it as a “family-like atmosphere”. “Weโ€™ve got a really good group,” she said. “Iโ€™ve been talking to the new riders during our training camp in Alta, and theyโ€™re all happy. They know weโ€™re not on the same level as the biggest WorldTour teams, but they recognise that we have a special project here.”

Santesteban is confident the team is heading in the right direction and optimistic about their chances of securing a WorldTour licence. “The team has shown so much trust and calmness towards me. They knew I had a problem last year, but now weโ€™re hopeful everything will be different this season. Weโ€™re improving year after year, and the new riders whoโ€™ve joined will make us even stronger. I have full confidence in this team, and Iโ€™m certain weโ€™ll achieve the WorldTour licence.”

Final years in sight

With her contract set to expire at the end of 2026, Santesteban acknowledged that her career is approaching its conclusion. “I see the end of my career very close now,” she admitted with a laugh. “Iโ€™m 34, and from the start, Iโ€™ve always been clear that I want to retire with this team. Itโ€™s a dream to come back to a Basque team after so many years and to finish my career here.”

While Santesteban is determined to enjoy the remainder of her career, she has her sights set on a final victory. “More than anything, I want to enjoy myself. Of course, Iโ€™ll give everything in races alongside my teammates, but Iโ€™d love to win one more race. If I could choose, it would be at the Itzulia Women. And naturally, Iโ€™d like to leave Laboural Kutxa in the WorldTour when I retire.”