Gaining experience, learning from the best and chasing dreams

Her season has only just begun, but for Marith Vanhove from the development team of AG Insurance-Soudal the first weeks have already been intense and full of learning moments.

With two races in her legs she is gradually finding her rhythm again and continuing to grow into her role within the team. In this interview, she reflects on her first races of the season, what she learns from the experienced riders around her, and how she combines cycling with her studies while continuing to work towards her big dream.

 

You have just ridden two races. How did you experience those first competitions of the season?

My first race of the season was Le Samyn des Dames and it immediately felt like a great opportunity to start the year. Messane Bräutigam and I had the chance to start there with our WorldTour team, which of course made it extra special. At the same time it also brought some nerves, because you never really know where you stand at the beginning of a new season. Especially when you see how strong our team is and how much quality there is around you. That motivates you a lot and it also makes you want to give absolutely everything.

During that race I immediately had a very clear role. My job was to help position the team well heading into the cobbled sections in the first lap and, if possible, a second time as well. It was actually the first time that I had such a specific role in a race. Then you really need to be there at the right moment and stay near the front with the team.

I think I managed to do that well within my capabilities. Marthe Goossens also sprinted to a strong second place. After the race I received positive feedback from the riders and the staff, which gives you confidence. You really feel that your contribution matters for the team.

 

And how did the second race go for you, GP Oetingen?

That race was quite different. There I was allowed to save myself a bit more for the finale, which was nice because it meant I could stay involved in the race longer.

But of course in cycling things never go exactly according to plan. Because of a few unexpected situations within the team we had to adjust our strategy during the race.

At that moment you simply try to stay flexible and do what the team needs. Those are also the situations where you learn a lot. In the end we still managed to achieve a strong result with the team, with Ilse Pluimers finishing fourth, which definitely gives a sense of satisfaction.

 

Are you satisfied with how your first races went?

Maybe not in terms of personal results yet, but I am satisfied with how I was able to fulfil my role.

I did what the team asked from me and in the end that is what matters most.

When you hear after the race that you executed your job well, it gives you a good feeling. Of course you also want to keep improving yourself, but in a team sport the collective always comes first.

 

You are part of a team with many experienced riders. How do you experience the team dynamic?

The atmosphere within the team is really great. What stands out to me most is how open everyone is. There is actually no real gap between the WorldTour team and the development team.

For example, when we are together at a training camp or having dinner, everyone just sits together. You simply join a table where there is space and everyone talks to everyone.

It really feels like one big family.

That also makes it easier to be yourself within the team. If you have a question or if something is on your mind, there is always someone willing to help or give advice.

 

Do you also receive a lot of feedback from your teammates?

Yes, definitely. During the race itself you sometimes already receive small tips from teammates, for example about positioning on the road or where it is best to ride in the peloton.

After the race we also always do a debrief in the bus. Then we go through the race again and discuss what went well and what could be improved.

I also try to be proactive in that. I often explicitly ask for feedback. That way I try to learn something from every race and keep progressing step by step.

 

Are there also things outside of racing where you have already learned a lot?

For example in terms of nutrition and preparation. Those are things I have focused much more on this winter.

Before a race we often talk about that with each other, for example about carb loading and how many carbohydrates you take before a race. All riders use the EatMyRide app and we often talk about it together at the table. Everyone shares a bit about their individual plan and how many carbs they are taking.

That way you learn from each other and try to find those small extra percentages makes it really interesting for me.

 

Besides cycling you are also still a student. How do you combine that with life as an athlete?

I study occupational therapy and I am currently working on my bachelor thesis. Sometimes it can be challenging to combine everything, but with good planning it works quite well.

My training schedule is for example combined with my classes and internships in my TrainingPeaks app. That way my coach can take everything into account and we can see together what is feasible.

We actually have very good communication about that and it helps a lot. At the moment I still need to finish my bachelor thesis and complete some internship hours. After that I will have a period without studies during the summer and from September until January I will complete my final internship. Then I hope to finally obtain my degree.

 

 

Where would you like to take the next steps this season? 

I really have the ambition to move up to the WorldTour team. That is something I have been dreaming about for a long time.

Whenever I get the opportunity to race with the WorldTour selection, I mainly try to do my job as well as possible and show that I can contribute to the team result.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I would tell myself to compare less with others. That is something I have really learned over the past few years: just focus on your own progress and your own journey.

Everyone has their own path in cycling.

If you keep working, stay patient and trust the process, the results will eventually come.

 

And to conclude, what is your biggest dream in cycling?

When I was young we always watched cycling at home on television. Especially the races of Quick-Step stood out to me, with riders like Tom Boonen and Yves Lampaert. That was really the team we admired at home.

To now already be part of The Wolfpack feels very special. It would be incredible to one day fully grow into the WorldTour peleton.