Marie Schreiber: ‘Optimistic that I will be able to fight for the podium despite crash’

Marie Schreiber: ‘Optimistic that I will be able to fight for the podium despite crash’

31/01/2025

Linked cyclists Marie Schreiber

Marie Schreiber: "That I had to give up in the last race before the world championship last Sunday is of course a shame. That crash was a setback. Of course I could have had a better run up to the World Championships, but it could also have been worse after that crash. I feel I am healing and hope to be fully recovered by Sunday. Of course, I also have to see how my body reacts during the reconnaissance on the cross bike. That's still different from training on the road bike. Although I am optimistic for the world championships."

"Zoe Bäckstedt is top favourite, but don't make it a battle between just Zoe and me. In the U23 category, the other U23 riders don't start a few rows behind us, as is the case in the World Cup in the elite. Who knows, maybe that makes for a wider playing field. I also count European champion Celia Géry among the contenders. She will be keen on a good result on home soil. Holmgren and Chladoňová are also outsiders. The latter is someone I see as a dark horse for the battle for the podium."

"I draw confidence from the season. It was better than I expected. I achieved all my predetermined goals. The only thing that didn't work out was winning the final classification in the WorldCup U23, where I faced bad luck due to illness, crashes and mechanical failure. The fact that I was able to win the World Cup in Hulst still as a U23 rider gives a lot of confidence for the future."

"I have made strides and can look forward to the World Championships without pressure. No matter what happens on Sunday, my season will be a success either way. But of course I do dream of that title. What course I hope to find? A good mix of technical and tricky. A bit like Hulst. A course where you have to be able to push power, but where it's not just about the watts. That you also have to combine flow and technique. The world champion's jersey is the most beautiful jersey there is to win. It is everyone's goal to win it one day. This is my last chance in the U23 category, I will do everything I can to be on the top step on Sunday."

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