Ready to Race: Lorena Wiebes’ Ambition Shines Bright at the UAE Tour

Lorena Wiebes is entering the UAE Tour with high hopes, stating, “This race is another good test for our lead-out.” Wiebes expresses excitement about the added strength to their sprint train with the inclusion of new reinforcement, Femke Gerritse. She acknowledges the versatility of their team, noting, “Our train is a lot stronger.”

Discussing her collaboration with Lotte Kopecky, Wiebes emphasizes the smooth synergy they share, formed through extensive racing together, hinting at the almost telepathic understanding they’ve developed. Wiebes recalls a perfect lead-out from Lotte during her victory in the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes and expresses curiosity about Kopecky’s capabilities in the upcoming stage to Jebel Hafeet.

Reflecting on her preparations, Wiebes remarks that the team has diligently worked on the sprint train during the winter and hopes to implement their strategies effectively. She also acknowledges feeling less pressure this season, having experienced defeats that have instilled a sense of calm, despite the excitement of seeing the winter training translate into race performances.

Amid her evolution into a more all-round rider, Wiebes reaffirms the importance of sprinting to her, especially with the upcoming Olympics as a significant goal. Emphasizing the need to strike a balance between excelling uphill and maintaining her sprinting prowess, Wiebes sees the UAE Tour as a key indicator of her progress.

As Lorena Wiebes embarks on the UAE Tour, her aspirations and determination illuminate her path forward, reflecting her unwavering commitment to both sprinting and all-round prowess.