"I'm genuinely looking forward to this exciting journey" - Marlen Reusser eyes a future as a GC rider

Marlen Reusser is a rider that has been developing more and more. Part of Team SD Worx she has been given the freedom and platform to perform and win on races away from the time-trials, and she tells that she can also become a prominent stage-racer in the near future.

"I secured victory in quite a few races myself. When I take into account my podium finishes as well, I can confidently say it's been a successful season. Moreover, I believe I've made significant progress as a cyclist," Reusser told In de Leiderstrui. "Initially, I was primarily known for my prowess in time trials, but now I believe it's fair to say that I perform at a high level in road stage races too... Looking ahead, I could potentially focus on two different avenues: the spring classics or pursuing general classifications."

2023 has been nothing but an astonishing season for the 32-year old. Although she cracked at the time-trial World Championships where she was the biggest favourite, she has taken wins at Gent-Wevelgem, stage win at the Tour de France Femmes, national championships, but has also noticeably tried her luck in some stage-races, and got great results by winning the Itzulia Women and Tour de Suisse. Recently she also finished third at the Tour de Romandie Féminin.

Taking advantage of her time-trialing skills, she ends up being a favourite for a few tough races, having worked extensively on her climbing abilities in recent years. This transformation is exciting for her and allows her to eye new goals in a late stage of her career. "Nevertheless, I'm very eager to assess my standing in that realm. I'm genuinely looking forward to this exciting journey; it's a captivating project... I genuinely enjoy it," she concludes. "If I didn't find this process fascinating, I wouldn't have embarked on it. Personal growth and self-improvement should also be enjoyable."