Gladys Verhulst has officially begun her next chapter with AG Insurance – Soudal, eager to bring her unique style to the Belgian squad. Her journey into cycling began at an early age, inspired by her father and sister, both passionate cyclists. “When I was six, I started cycling myself,” she revealed, sharing how her father’s influence continues to motivate her today. “The person who inspired me the most was undoubtedly my father, whom I sadly lost 15 years ago. His extraordinary mental strength has always been a huge source of inspiration for me.”
After 2024, a year full of personal milestones, Verhulst looks forward to new challenges, with hopes to support team leaders and help younger riders develop. Her goals for the 2025 season reflect a determined mindset: “My personal goals for the 2025 season are to win again, and of course, to capture the French national championship in the Wolfpack jersey!” She also expressed a desire to secure a victory in Flanders, a region she has great admiration for.
Verhulst’s cycling career has been consistently strong, and 2023 showcased some of her finest results. She finished 2nd in the French road race championships and claimed top-10 finishes in several key races. At the Tour de Normandie Féminin, she placed 5th on the 2nd stage and won the points classification after a solid performance in multiple stages. She also took 7th at La Périgord Ladies and 8th at the GP d’Isbergues. Notably, Verhulst performed well in the UAE Tour, securing 9th in both the sprint and 2nd stage, demonstrating her versatility and ability to compete at the top level.
Verhulst, who resides in Nice, also spoke about how the team’s growth over the past few years attracted her to AG Insurance – Soudal. “What attracted me to AG Insurance – Soudal is that I’ve seen the team grow over the past few years. I love their offensive approach and strong team spirit,” she explained. “Many riders make great progress with this team. The structure and qualified staff also really appeal to me.”
She shared some insights into her life outside of racing, describing how Nice offers perfect conditions for training, but also for relaxation. “In the summer, afternoons at the beach or by the pool are the absolute best,” she said with enthusiasm. Spain, too, remains a favourite destination, with its sunny weather providing the perfect backdrop for both training and relaxation.
Verhulst is keen to rediscover her aggressive racing style within the Belgian team, recognising the similarities in their approach to cycling. “I expect to grow as a rider within AG Insurance – Soudal by discovering a new culture… I’m sure I’ll rediscover my aggressive racing style,” she remarked, adding that she is particularly keen to work on her mental strength, which she sees as an area for improvement.
Her confidence in a smooth transition to the team is clear. “I think the transition to the new team will happen naturally, and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates,” she said, her excitement evident as she embarks on this new chapter with AG Insurance – Soudal.
