Anna van der Breggen on elite sport, balance, and enjoyment in cycling
Anna van der Breggen has been one of the leading figures in women’s cycling for many years. With remarkable achievements including Olympic gold, multiple world titles, and victories in some of cycling’s most iconic races, she has firmly established herself as one of the sport’s greats. But behind the results lies a deep passion for cycling, a strong sense of balance, and the motivation to keep improving every single day.
In this interview, Anna shares insights into her routines, preparation for major races, recovery habits, and the mental side of elite sport. She also talks about her favorite nutrition and supplement routines, while offering valuable advice to young talents dreaming of a professional cycling career.
First of all, how are you doing? How are you doing this season? What are you looking forward to?
Everything is going well with me; I am in a good position for this season and look forward to what is still to come. This winter went well, and the Ardennes Classics also went well despite suffering from a cold. I look forward to all the races yet to come.
What still makes cycling special to you, after everything you have already achieved?
Being able to do the sport and everything that goes with it. The variety of training camps and getting yourself ready to be in top form for great moments, and then of course the races, which are sometimes very tough, but at the same time very beautiful.
I love the game of racing, especially when you can compete for the top spots. I particularly enjoy that part. Doing everything for something, having a good goal, and then getting close to actually achieving that goal.
How do you prepare for a major race? Do you have fixed habits or rituals on the morning of an important competition?
By, among other things, altitude training and being physically strong. I achieve this by training well and hard and continuing to focus on proper nutrition. Additionally, the mental aspect is also very important; it is a combination of being both physically and mentally fit.
If you do the things you enjoy and stand behind the things you truly believe in, you get the most out of yourself. That is an important part of the preparation: doing everything you can to be as good as possible.
We have just been on altitude training, so Vitamin C1000 Gold is included in my package; I take it together with Iron Complex Gold. I alternate my routines based on whichever supplements I need at that moment.
On the days I fly, I like to use Virtuoos Multi Health Support Gold (without B6). And on days when I am a little less fit, I take Zinc.
I like knowing that the supplements are simply good and that I can use them safely.
Anna van der Breggen
Pro-cyclist for SD Worx Protime
Do you listen to music before the start? If so, what is on your playlist?
I like listening to music before and at the start. I usually choose the team’s playlist, which I really like. For more music tips, you should ask Lorena 😉
Are you someone who analyzes the course in detail, or do you rely more on race insight?
I am not someone who analyzes the course in detail. It helps that I know most of the races. If, for example, I haven’t had a reconnaissance for a stage race, that is not a problem. Then I try to prepare for it as best I can using Veloviewer. If it is a time trial, I like to ride it once, but arrangements are made to ensure that is possible.
What does your ideal recovery day look like?
It’s nice to do something different from the daily training/eating/sleeping routine. I enjoy going shopping with my mother and sister on those days. Actually, I like doing anything that isn’t related to cycling on a recovery day.
The products I use for this are mainly natural ones. Making delicious fresh food and enjoying the recovery day. I don’t really have a fixed routine on a recovery day; it’s always something different. One time it involves eating very healthy food, another time it involves something unhealthy. Sometimes you just need that after a period of watching your diet very closely. The key lies in balance.
For you, what is the key to long-term top performances?
Enjoying what you do and believing in what you’re working toward. Supporting what your coach says and finding joy in the process. In the end, that’s what helps you stay consistent and maintain things over the long term.
A cycling season is a wave of relaxation and moments when you have to perform and be at your best. You have to manage that balance carefully.
Anna van der Breggen
Pro-cyclist for SD Worx Protime
The only person who can truly do that is yourself. You can feel when you need rest and when you’re recharged enough to push a little harder again.
We would like to add a personal touch to this interview. What is your favorite recipe?
Then I go for a breakfast recipe. I often choose sourdough pancakes, usually made with discarded sourdough, an egg, olive oil, salt, flour, and milk. A little Greek yogurt on top. I like the 10% full-fat yogurt because it is nice and filling. The topping varies every time; usually, I go for fresh fruit, with mango and banana being my favorites. And then toasted nuts on top of that, that’s an essential.
For dinner, I really love a roasted chicken on the barbecue with fresh vegetables.
What do you like to do most on a day off or during more quiet periods without cycling?
I enjoy going away on holiday for a bit and focusing on things other than cycling. I also really enjoy visiting family during those periods.
What advice would you give to young talents who dream of a career as a pro?
I think the most important thing when you’re young is simply to enjoy cycling. You should dream about becoming good, but at the same time just enjoy all the fun aspects of cycling together with your teammates and club friends.
At a young age, it’s more playful and free, and I think that’s where a true love for sport begins. Of course everyone wants to become successful. But even if you don’t make it professionally later on, you’ll still have had a wonderful time at your sports club. And that applies to all sports.
