Kirstie van Haaften, a Dutch cyclist currently riding for Cofidis, announced through her social media that she will undergo brain surgery next week due to a medical condition. Details about her condition have not been disclosed. The 25-year-old shared her struggles and the upcoming procedure on Instagram, stating, “Some days are just a bit harder than others. Dealing with a lot of personal stress since the start of this season, I have not performed the way I had hoped.”
Van Haaften expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from her family, friends, and team. “With a positive mindset, I will undergo this surgery next Monday. Grateful for all the support I feel and have received from family, friends and my whole team! I hope to be back soon,” she wrote.
This season has been particularly challenging for Van Haaften, who joined Cofidis this year after three seasons with Parkhotel Valkenburg. Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic about her recovery and return to racing. Reflecting on her career, she mentioned, “I have not performed the way I had hoped and expected.”
During her time with Parkhotel Valkenburg, Van Haaften secured several notable finishes. In 2019, she placed second in a stage of the BeNe Ladies Tour and finished third in last year’s Grote Prijs Yvonne Reynders. Although she has not yet claimed a victory, her performance has been recognised as strong and promising.
Her positive attitude towards the upcoming surgery and the support she feels from her close circle were evident in her message. “With a positive mindset, I will undergo this surgery next Monday. I appreciate all the support I feel and have received from my family, friends, and my team. I hope to return soon,” Van Haaften optimistically stated.
