Ellen van Dijk praises Annemiek Van Vleuten - "Nobody can believe this, I think. You can only have a lot of respect for that,"

Ellen van Dijk played a crucial support role for Annemiek Van Vleuten and Marianne Vos in the World Championship. While Vos was the prominent leader, Van Dijk was amazed when Van Vleuten pulled off the victory despite being injured, "Annemiek was all through in the last few days and was thinking of getting off.”

Not only commentators and the public couldn’t believe what happened, but also riders, including Van Dijk, was amazed. "Nobody can believe this, I think," Van Dijk told NOS afterwards. She also shared some behind-the-scenes, "Annemiek was my roommate in Australia. The atmosphere wasn't very good the last few days. She was completely worn out and thought about getting off. On the other hand, she did say she felt good herself."

Van Dijk has nothing but respect and praise for Van Vleuten, especially after she pulled out such an amazing feat. "We were riding full for Marianne. I rode completely empty for her. Then you pass the line, and suddenly you see that Annemiek is in the first place. That's really incredibly clever. She amazes everyone, including herself. She is certainly not at her very fittest, but then she squeezes this out. You can only have a lot of respect for that," Van Dijk concluded.