In Return to Burgos which decreed the return to success of Marlene Reusser after the serious physical problems of last year, she climbed onto the final podium Yara Kastelijn, not without a certain surprise. Yes, because We were used to seeing the Dutch star on the winter lawns, even capable of winning a European title in 2019, then a slow and constant transformation that led her to be an absolute protagonist on the road, reaching the Top 10 at the Vuelta and conquering the final podium in Burgos.
The Dutch of Fenix, at 27 years old she is in the prime of her development and her climbing skills make her the leader of a team where, not by chance, there is an abundance of multidisciplinary cyclists, who divide their time between road and cyclocross, not least ours Sarah CasasolaFor her, this start to the season has heralded a new dimension.
"Actually, I'm really happy I started like this. I was already feeling pretty good in Valencia, but then I suddenly collapsed on the last day, and that's why I didn't make the top 10. But then the following week I finished sixth at Strade Bianche. So I proved I'm in great shape and I think I made my mark in the Spring Classics, with another appearance in the 10s in Liège».
Does third place mean you're more comfortable in stage races and are becoming a classification cyclist?
Yes, in the past I was always a little nervous before races, and I started working on it during the races. It's the result of my improvements. Now I can simply use my concentration, have fun without nerves. And when I'm having fun and just being myself, free from pressure or stress, I've realized I can reach really high levels.I already knew I could do it, but it's always very difficult to prove it. Moreover, I see that the more difficult the weather conditions become, the more excited I get, perhaps because of my cyclocross roots.
Do you prefer stage races or classic road races?
Let's say I always like… the next raceI actually like long stages, so I'd rather ride for five hours than three. But I think the multi-day races are more my thing.
Until a couple of years ago you were better known as a cyclo-cross rider, but last season you only took part in five international races: is cyclo-cross increasingly a part of your past or do you have ambitions in that too?
I don't have a clear idea right now. We changed things about two years ago, in the winter, focusing more on road training. So we've proven that doing less cyclocross really works and for now it's just part of my training for the summer.Because I think I can be really good. And when I succeed, like last time, I can concentrate more. So now cyclocross is a better form of training for me. I'm not giving it up, but I want to approach the races this way.
Did you start on the road or in cyclocross first?
I was actually more of a road cyclist. I trained on the road in the summer, but I didn't do many races. Then I tried cyclocross and saw that I was good, so I entered professional cycling through that door, also because I saw that on the road I was still a bit behind. At the time, I also told myself that it was better to do 40 kilometers rather than 120 or 140. I realized that to stand out on the road I had to train too much and the results weren't coming, so I gave up. For me, cycling is first and foremost a mental exercise. Cyclocross has had the great merit of reviving my love for this activity.
At Fenix, many of you do dual-sports: how much does having a competitive winter help you prepare for the road?
I think so, doing two jobs has undoubted advantages. Cyclocross gives you, through its races, that intensity that in a certain sense you cannot experience otherwise., and I think it's simply because we participate in races of all kinds, at a high level of intensity, which makes us stronger on the road. It's important to be able to plan everything, and this is a great credit to our staff, who follow us all year round and know how to pace us in winter as well as in other seasons.
What do you think is your main characteristic in road cycling?
I think everyone knows I'm a climber because I'm terrible at sprinting., but I actually like it when I give it my all right from the start. My main characteristic is giving it my all from the first to the last meter. Nothing suits me better than a really tough race.
You won a stage at the Tour two years ago: what did you remember from that day?
Oh yeah, that day was really crazy. My parents were leaving, and I was afraid of disappointing them. At first it didn't work, I said to myself "Okay, next time", then instead I saw that I could try and I thought "Go and put on a show"I took the lead and gave it my all until the finish line. When I arrived, I had no words to express my joy; I'm very proud of what I did. Even today, when I see videos or photos of that day, I get excited.
Now what awaits you this season, what are your goals?
I finished my first stage race and I'm really happy to have reached the podium. It was a goal. Now I'm carefully preparing for the Giro d'Italia and I don't hide the fact that I'd like to do the same. because I believe that the path can enhance my qualities.
