Shirin van Anrooij gets back into racing rhythm ahead of Christmas: "I knew that Fem and Puck were going to be stronger for now"

Shirin van Anrooij rode her first two crosses since her rest period last weekend. She finished ninth in Superprestige Boom and the next day she crossed the line in fifth in Flamanville World Cup.

"I especially want to get back into some competitive rhythm. I want to be good during the Christmas period, so I have to race now to be good then. If I didn't start until the end of December, it would be a complete shock," she explains her plans to WielerFlits.

"I noticed in Boom that I rode very smoothly for a while and that I really got the right lines, but then half a lap later I completely lost it again. I didn't necessarily have any expectations in advance, because I just couldn't estimate it properly. I knew that I was not going to compete for first place, I knew that Fem and Puck were going to be stronger. I can't expect that from myself yet. But when I see how I fought back, it really offers perspective."

"I have to have confidence in my working method. I have to give it some time and be patient. I just need a little more crossing. I will now go on another altitude camp in Spain and then I can continue to build up. A seasonal structure like Fem's is not possible for me. I think we have different goals and you just have to see what works for you. That's different for everyone. I noticed that I really needed some rest after my long road season."