The Dutch superstar Marianne Vos will take on her first road race of the 2023 season this weekend. We’ve become used to seeing her pick and choose races, not doing any racing that doesn’t serve her goals but this time it’s down to some late pre-season surgery. Vos originally had surgery on her pelvic artery back in 2020 but had to revisit it this pre-season
Vos’ cyclocross season was definitely not as successful as the year before when she won Worlds, Nationals, World Cup races and more. This season, there was a win at Kortijk’s Urban Cross but slightly disappointing results elsewhere as she struggled to find form. The confirmation of the pelvic artery issue at least provided a reason for that and hopefully a resolution through surgery.
“The treatment went well and as hoped I was able to get back on the bike ten days later and resume training. Now the first road race is just around the corner. It is a race that I like to ride. The first race of the season always brings some extra jitters. I am looking forward to starting this race with the team. Of course, there are also some nice races later this year on the programme, but the focus, for now, is mainly on the spring races. I feel like going for a nice race”
Marianne Vos
Vos is set to race the Trofeo Alfredo Binda on Sunday, a race that she has won 4 times over the years. The last win in Cittiglio came in 2019 where Vos held off Amanda Spratt and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig to take the victory. An instant return to the top step of the podium would be nice but there is also some catching up to be done in terms of finding the race legs.
