Fabio Jakobsen: "If you do not improve in current cycling, you will stand still and they will inevitably overtake you"

Fabio Jakobsen was a prime sprinter a few years ago at his prime with Soudal - Quick-Step but he is very far from it now. However, in a very honest interview, he admits that a part of the issue is that he has not improved over the past few seasons and that is an absolute must in modern cycling.

“That is top sport, then you are talking about the last percent. Where the Tour is the highest level. In the past I could accelerate my sprint, although that may sound a bit strange. This year that was not possible," he said in words to Wielerflits.

"In the last 100-150 meters I had nothing extra. That is never because of one thing or someone else. It is my own fault and that has to improve. You just have to look wider. There has to be an extra step in all areas: training, cooperation with teammates, equipment and tactics.”

It is known that over the past few years performances are improving significantly, but this does not only apply to the climbers who are putting out unbelievable numbers. All around racing is faster and the sprinters also have to handle a lot more work and effort before arriving at the sprint. This has been quite difficult for Jakobsen, who joined Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL this year but only won one race - at the Tour of Turkey.

"Maybe the change of team... I didn't underestimate it, but it wasn't easy either. I knew it would be an adjustment on several levels. I really focused on that," he says. "And yes, it is mentally difficult on the one hand. You come from a situation where you always compete for the win. On the other hand: you can't stay angry for days because you don't win. You have to pick that up and see what you can improve". It was a difficult year for the team, who has not had many results to show for.

Jakobsen takes responsibility and is also aware that having the level that allowed him to be a proven winner in 2021 is simply not enough to be competitive at races such as the Tour de France nowadays. “Without being too specific, I want to say the following about it: if you do not improve in current cycling, you will stand still and they will inevitably overtake you," he adds. "In terms of material, nutrition, guidance and training, things always have to improve everywhere. If you don't, you'll fall behind. I think that was partly the case with me".