It hasn't been the easiest period for Marie Schreiber. The Luxembourger had to postpone her season start in cyclocross due to physical issues, and once back in the field, things didn’t go as planned either, but she emerged again in the Superprestige at Diegem.
Schreiber proved to be the only rider able to really challenge Puck Pieterse. After just over 45 minutes of racing, she had to concede to the Dutch champion, but her second place felt more like a victory.
"I am really very happy with this second place. I’ve had four ‘shitty’ months," she told Sporza afterward. "It was a really tough period, and I even doubted myself. However, the people around me said I had to be patient."
Confidence boost
"Before the start, I didn’t feel great and didn’t know what to expect, but I got into a good flow and the crowd was amazing. I really didn’t feel my legs and started to believe in myself. It was a perfect evening."
Is the 22-year-old Luxembourger now truly back? "Today (Tuesday, ed.) yes," she laughs. "I hope I can build on this. I really needed this confidence boost. Let’s say it’s a first step in my comeback."
