The injury, which occurred on 25th January during a crash, has shown some improvement but continues to affect Vos’s ability to run – a crucial element in cyclocross. Speaking to Wielerflits , her team director, Jan Boven, explained, “Marianne has a painful calf after her fall in Maasmechelen. We taped the calf and agreed that if she didn’t feel right, she would stop, keeping the World Championship in mind.” This led to Vos abandoning last weekend’s race in Hoogerheide.
The Dutch Federation confirmed in a statement that the decision to withdraw was made to avoid further risk, recognizing Vos’s current limitations. National coach Gerben de Knegt expressed his disappointment, saying, “Of course, we find this incredibly unfortunate. As an eight-time world champion, we would have liked to see Marianne try for a new title, although we knew it would be difficult after her fall. We wish Marianne a speedy recovery!”
With Vos absent, Aniek van Alphen has been called up as her replacement. The 25-year-old, who rides for Seven Racing, was initially left out of the squad but now gets her chance on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Dutch team remains a dominant force in women’s cyclocross despite Vos’s absence, with a roster featuring double defending champion Fem van Empel, former world champions Lucinda Brand and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, as well as Puck Pieterse, a consistent podium finisher. The Netherlands’ record in the event is unmatched, boasting 14 gold medals, including the last five consecutive titles.
Vos, a record-holder with eight rainbow jerseys in cyclocross – the most by any rider in the sport, male or female – will be missed in what could have been another battle for the history books. Her withdrawal marks a notable absence in the final countdown to this year’s race.
