How did you feel after the Tour de France Femmes?
“Honestly, I was pretty exhausted,” Bredewold laughs. “I spent a lot of time on the couch, and I heard from many riders and staff that the Tour really took its toll. I tried to rest properly and give my body what it needed. Since Sunday I’ve felt the energy coming back. I’m looking forward to riding through beautiful Romandy.”
As the newly crowned Dutch time trial champion, are you looking forward to Friday’s ITT?
“It’s a climbing time trial, which unfortunately isn’t really my specialty, so it will be hard to make a difference against the best climbers—although you never know. At the same time, I’m super excited to wear my Dutch national champion's time trial jersey for the first time and show it to everyone. Because there was no time trial at the Tour de France, I haven’t trained it much recently. It’s a real thrill to wear a champion’s jersey. That’s exactly why I’m really looking forward to Friday. ”
What do you expect from the Tour de Romandie and the team’s chances?
“The start list includes many pure climbers. On Saturday we face a tough climb of 11 km at 7-8%—I expect the race to be largely decided there. If that happens, I see opportunities for us on Sunday: that stage suits puncheurs more. We’re not bringing a dedicated GC leader, so Sunday looks like our best chance. I’ve had plenty of opportunities in recent months; in this race I’d really like to help my teammates go for a strong result. Blanka Vas was very strong at the Tour de France—if she carries that form into the weekend, she could be one of the favorites on Sunday. Hopefully we can ride a great Tour de Romandie with the whole team!”
Swiss champion Steffi Häberlin is also eager to race at home:
“I’m really looking forward to the Tour de Romandie and to finally race again, after a short break post-Giro where I already got to show my Swiss national champion's jersey. It’s an honour to wear this jersey in my own country, and I hope there will be lots of spectators along the route,” says Häberlin.
“It’s a short stage race: a not-too-long time trial and then only two days left. Precisely because of that, I want to see what’s possible and try to leave my mark—there aren’t that many races left for me this year. I’ll give everything, and I’m excited to see the team and all of the girls again.”
Team SD Worx–Protime line-up:
Blanka Vas, Mischa Bredewold, Femke Gerritse, Laura Stigger, Steffi Häberlin, and Mikayla Harvey.