Interview Sarah Rijkes 

 

She's racing for some of the biggest teams in cycling, became national champion of Austria and she's been a team mate of some of the biggest names in women cycling. Her name is Sarah Rijkes and today we have the honour to have an interview with her. This season she'll try to lead Kirsten Wild and Lisa Brennauer to the victory. Hopefully, we can see her shining in the Austrian colours this season again too!

 

 

So far the national championship is the biggest victory in your carreer. Many riders are dreaming of wearing the national champions' jersey. How did you experience the year that you were wearing it?

For me it was a big surprise winning it and I couldn't have been prouder about what I achieved that day. In fact I still am. Wearing the flag of my country on my shoulders for one whole year, racing the biggest and most prestigious races was just an incredible feeling and to be honest, I really miss it. I was proud every single day, training or racing, when I put it on. It was also a big big motivation to keep working hard during winter or days when it just wasn't that easy. 

 

What are your favourite races?

for sure the spring classics. As I almost live in Belgium, I got taught 1 thing. These races are the "holy week" and Ronde van Vlaanderen is its queen.

How would you describe yourself as a rider?

I am kind of an alrounder and my higgest strength is for sure that I am a team player. I will all the time sacrifice myself 200% for the team and the team's goal. For me it doesn't matter if I or somebody else wins, WE win

You're 28 now, for many riders it's the start of the best years of their carreer. What are your goals on a short term?

Normally the spring classics would have been a big goal for me this year. Not to get a result myself, but to be there in the best possible shape to help our captains to get the best result possible. Due to the current situation everything changed and it's hard to make any plan. But (and I really really hope by then it's possible to race again) the national championships are a big big goals for me.

 

How did you start in competitive cycling?

As my name tells, I got Dutch roots. My father was dutch and as long as I remember he and we as a family have been out riding bikes. One day, i tried my mums race bike and wanted one myself, so my dad build up one from all the old components we still had at home. A friend of the family was a cyclist by then, and I also wanted to give it a try. But it took quit some time to convince my mum. ;)

Who were your cycling idols when you were a child/teenager?

Clearly Lance Armstrong.

What are your biggest passions outside of cycling?

I really love cooking and baking (and eating), reading, drinking coffee and just enjoying the sun.

Is cycling popular in Austria?

Actually it's almost non existent. Especially women's cycling. Theres no media interest at all and only little money from the federation.

So you're living in Belgium? Was it a big step for you to move to another country for your carreer?

to be honest it wasn't only for my career. My boyfriend is Belgian and as this is the centre of cycling it was an easy decision. Although I for sure miss home and my mum regularly. Luckily she comes over as often as possible.

Thank you for the interview, Sarah!