Marianne Vos not done racing yet: "Really eager again with such great support"

Marianne Vos is on the eve of her 21st (!) professional season, but the 38-year-old rider doesn't seem to be thinking about retirement just yet. In an interview with WielerFlits in Alicante, she stated that she can still easily recharge for a new season.

The journey to Alicante was not entirely smooth for Vos, with a stopover on a Spanish party island. "I thought I was on my way to Alicante, but we landed in Ibiza. That would have been fun, but we just stopped for fuel," laughed the three-time road world champion.

Now, looking ahead to the upcoming season: which races has the seasoned rider circled in red? "I mainly want to race well again. I haven't singled out a specific race. The spring classics are my first important goal; each one is special in its own way. We hope to be there again as a team and compete for the win. After that, the focus shifts to preparation for the Tour de France."

Paris-Roubaix circled in red?
No special targets this year then, but what about that one race in northern France she has yet to win? Teammate and reigning champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who will not start Paris-Roubaix this year, viewed a victory for Vos as a sure thing.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that," Vos replied laughing when confronted with the statement. "We showed last year how it can be done. It's wonderful to race for it together. It is definitely a goal again this year," said the Dutch rider, who helped Ferrand-Prévot to victory last year and herself finished second in the Hell of the North.

Vos still finds motivation easily
Few riders have lasted as long in the peloton as Vos. Yet she still finds it easy to stay motivated time and again. "It comes naturally, I love doing it. The team offers a lot of support, and I do a lot with my partner. That makes it easy to keep going. As long as I remain competitive, can add value to the team, and my health allows it, I do it with great pleasure," concluded the rider with 258 pro wins.