Jolien’s return

Jolien, back from maternity leave, immediately resumes her role as team leader at AG Insurance - Soudal during the 2024 Spring Classics.

When I first returned to the team during the AG Insurance - Soudal team presentation, it felt like the first day of school. It was great to be back, but I have changed. Ona is now the most important thing in my life, which helps me to better put the less favorable moments during the race into perspective.

Motherhood has taught me to put things into perspective more. I've realized that there is more to life than just cycling. I've become more realistic but at the same time more emotional in my approach to the sport, and I deeply empathize with my riders, which remains unchanged. Balancing my role as a mother and as a team leader is a matter of good planning with my partner. I want to spend enough time on the upbringing of my daughter, which means I will have to do a smaller program, but I see no problems in this. Motherhood has taught me patience, perseverance, multitasking, prioritizing goals, communication, and flexibility.

After the birth of Ona, I quickly got involved again through online meetings and did administrative and logistical work. So, I always kept up with the team, and in the end, I only missed the races in Mallorca and Down Under. Now I am ready to start with full commitment in OHN. As for our team strategy, I plan to race more aggressively. We should not wait to sprint against riders like Lorena Wiebes or Charlotte Kool; attacking is the best defense.

Our team is strong and cohesive; we count on Ashleigh for great successes, but our younger riders are also ready to score themselves. The Walloon classics like the Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège are our main goals, and of course, we hope to be spared from bad luck and illness. I am particularly looking forward to the Strade Bianche, a race I have never ridden or led before, and the Tour de France, with stages in the Netherlands and Belgium. We aim for a better result than last year with Ashleigh.

My advice to other female athletes considering becoming mothers during their career is to set realistic goals for both sporting performance and family life. Finding a good balance can take time, so be patient and give yourself the space to grow. Look to other female athletes who have successfully combined motherhood with their sporting career and learn from their experiences. Let their example inspire you.