“I quickly spot what riders do wrong, taking corners incorrectly, choosing poor lines. I have that experience, and now I want to make it count. But a good coach doesn’t just point out what’s not working; they mainly motivate by highlighting what is going well,” says Sanne Cant (35), who rode her final cyclocross race on February 23, 2025, at the Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle.
Cant has signed a one-year contract with an option through 2028 with Team SD Worx-Protime. “I’m happy with this new step in my career,” she continues. “What appealed to me about Team SD Worx-Protime is that there are two major talents: Blanka Vas and Marie Schreiber. Because the team is small, you can work more personally and give targeted feedback. That leads to faster progress. I’ve observed Blanka and Marie for years as a competitor. I think they’ll be surprised by how well I know them (laughs). When I watch cyclocross, I immediately notice what’s going wrong. That’s what I focus on.”
“Enjoying what you do and recognizing what you’re already good at is essential. The rest will follow naturally. I’ve gone through the same process as they have and learned from it. I never truly enjoyed my victories because I only focused on what could be improved. I want to approach things differently now. You motivate by also highlighting the positives.”
“The fact that Blanka and Marie each won a World Cup last year says a lot. Maasmechelen a tough cross to win, and Hulst is a very specific course. Winning at that age, against today’s field with a powerhouse like Fem Van Empel and a consistent Lucinda Brand, shows their capabilities.”
“As a coach, I bring a complete package: experience, tactics, and sharpness. In cyclocross, it’s not just about who’s the best — it’s also about who’s the smartest. By training together and exploring courses, we can make targeted adjustments. We’ll refine technical aspects, but the tactical side also makes a big difference. Motivation during training is crucial.”
“After sixteen years, I needed something new. If I had stayed where I always was, I wouldn’t have made many more steps. This is a new environment where I can challenge and develop myself — as a person and as a coach. I want to be a coach who motivates, thinks along, and builds trust. Starting from the experience I have in cyclocross. That’s how we’ll get the most out of their talent together.”