Shirin van Anrooj opts for under-23's at Cyclocross World Championship - "I choose to develop my career step by step and do not want to skip any steps"

Baloise Trek Lions' Shirin van Anrooj has revealed that she has opted to race in the under-23's category at the upcoming Cyclocross World Championship citing that she "does not want to skip any steps.”

“There are still many years to come in which I can fight for a podium place in the elites while I want to close my period as a U23 in Hoogerheide. I choose to develop my career step by step," the 20-year-old tells the official website of the Baloise Trek Lions. “In 2020 in Dubendorf I became the very first junior ladies world champion. In Hoogerheide I will try again to give everything for that beautiful rainbow jersey. So I will stay U23 for another year, and then make a plan for the coming years.”

Van Anrooj has been in impressive form recently with five wins in her last seven races and podium finishes in the other two. “Over the past few weeks I have talked a lot with those around me and I am happy that both my family and my team support this decision."

"I felt it was going to be a 'now or never' chance for an elite world title, but there was no wrong choice and it only gives extra motivation for the coming years,” the Dutchwoman continued. “Now that the decision has been made, my focus is completely on Sunday, February 5, 2023.”