The Student Life of Cyclist Febe Jooris

Febe Jooris, a talented cyclist with the U23 team of AG Insurance - Soudal Quick-Step, gladly offers a glimpse into her life as she seamlessly juggles her professional cycling career and studies in orthopedagogy at Hogeschool Vives in Kortrijk.

"Balancing academics and elite sports presents a challenging yet captivating combination in my daily life. I am pursuing a degree in Orthopedagogy at Hogeschool Vives in Kortrijk. My academic journey is meticulously crafted, with me tackling half of my courses each year. Last year, I delved into the professional field through a 60 hour internship, a seemingly modest commitment that poses a true challenge for an athlete to fit into a rigorous schedule.

This year is predominantly marked by theoretical courses, making exam periods noticeably more demanding. Studying as a top athlete is far from straightforward, yet it provides a welcome diversion and variation when facing challenges in the sporting arena.

Fortunately, I can rely on the support of Sport Vlaanderen, where my dedicated sports coach assists me in planning and requesting facilities, allowing me to occasionally take things at a more relaxed pace. It serves as a reminder of why I am engaged in this dual pursuit. It is crucial for me to realize that life encompasses more than just cycling, and unfortunately, it can pass by faster than one would wish.

Naturally, I hope to persevere for as long as possible, viewing my academic pursuits as a valuable investment for the future, especially as my cycling career approaches its conclusion.

The team demonstrates great understanding for student-athletes, adjusting the program to offer support. I find this encouragement to continue studying for as long as possible extremely positive. Studying demands significant time and dedication, just like any other student. Personally, I make an effort to attend as many classes as possible, as neglecting them might be tempting otherwise. Early starts are always the mantra for me.

Exam periods are invariably stressful, coinciding with the buildup to a new season. Striking a delicate balance to ensure that cycling doesn't suffer too much under the pressure is essential. Studying, in itself, demands a considerable amount of energy, prompting me to often scale back during this period.

Post-exams, my focus shifts to reclaiming my sleep patterns and establishing a regular daily rhythm: waking up, having breakfast, cycling, lunching, relaxing in the afternoon, and so forth."

Febe Jooris proves that passion, perseverance, and meticulous planning are the keys to success, both on and off the bike. We wish her the best of luck with her exams from the entire team!