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Chantal van den Broek-Blaak returns to cycling as the Dutch women's U23 national coach, a surprising move after the KNWU's drastic cuts to their U23 programs. This appointment signifies a potential shift in the future of women's cycling in the Netherlands.
Van den Broek-Blaak's role comes after the KNWU let go of its U23 coach and withdrew from major competitions like the World Championships and European Championships at the start of 2025. The 36-year-old retired earlier this year, having enjoyed a stellar career, including victories at the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche, and winning the world road race title in 2017. She aims to leverage her experiences from competing in 11 elite Road World Championships to nurture the next generation of riders.
This position marks the first dedicated U23 women's coach role within the Dutch federation, coinciding with the inaugural standalone women's U23 race at the World Championships in 2025 in Rwanda. The men have had a U23 Nations Cup, but the women have lacked a specific racing series until now. As the cycling landscape evolves, van den Broek-Blaak's leadership could reshape opportunities for young female cyclists in the Netherlands.
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