21-year-old Van Anrooij dreams of Grand Tour podium as she continues development with Lidl-Trek
Despite the recent disappointment of having to abandon her cyclocross season early due to broken ribs, Shirin van Anrooij remains as optimistic as ever. Fortunately for Lidl-Trek fans, Shirin has signed a contract extension through 2026 which will see her continue to proudly represent Lidl-Trek on the road and Baloise Trek Lions when competing in cyclocross.
Since joining Lidl-Trek in 2021, Van Anrooij has quietly worked hard and demonstrated consistent growth, which rewarded her with a first professional victory on the road at Trofeo Binda after a tenacious solo attack. This was followed by a strong classics campaign of top-10 results punctuated by a handful of excellent placings, before demonstrating her ability as a GC rider with 2nd place at Vuelta a Burgos and overall victory in Tour de l’Avenir.
Speaking of her decision to extend her contract with Lidl-Trek, Shirin van Anrooij said:
“To be honest, the decision to stay with the Team was super easy. I think there wasn’t even anything to decide, I just needed to sign the contract. I’m super happy that I have the opportunity to stay longer with Lidl-Trek on the road and Baloise Trek Lions in cyclocross. The Team always believed in me ever since I joined and gave me so much time to develop as a rider and the chance to learn from all the experienced riders around me, as well as learning a lot from Ina Teutenberg. If you look at last year, a lot of puzzle pieces came together in the Classics and I was able to win my first WorldTour race at Trofeo Binda which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of this Team. I can’t see myself racing in any other team’s jersey.
“I’m really looking forward to continue developing the way I am going right now. I hope to become a stronger rider year by year. Of course, the pressure will grow at the same time as I try to go for more victories at bigger races. I look forward to learning more from Lizzie and Elisa in the Classics, to see how they win races and to help them win more, but at the same time receive their help when I have a chance to win.
“One of the most important reasons that made me stay at Lidl-Trek was because I’m as happy when one of my teammates wins a race as I am when I win. I give 110% for them because I know they will do the same in return. I feel at home in this Team, it feels like a family and I’m super relaxed. Also, I have all the support I could need, especially with Lidl stepping in as title sponsor, I think the Team is taking yet another step forwards in professionalism. Now, there is even better support around nutrition, coaching, material – everything is growing, and I hope that I will grow as a rider myself at the same time.
“Over the next year I want to continue my development without skipping any steps. I want to go for a win this year, and I want to learn more about riding for GC. I’m dreaming of working towards a GC podium in one of the Grand Tours. I need to keep working for this goal, but I think I can do it with the support of the Team. I also want to target the Classics, which are races I really like. I’m dreaming of a lot!”
“I feel like I can keep talking about why I’m staying with the Team, because there are a lot of reasons that I want to stay. I think the most important of those is that I feel at home and that it feels like a family here. I can be 100% myself and I’m super comfortable. I know myself, and I know that I need to be happy in order to perform.”
Ina Teutenberg, Lidl-Trek DS added: “Extending with Shirin was a no-brainer. She’s a smart young woman who takes advice on board and absorbs experience from those around her because she’s determined to reach her potential, which is very high. Since she has been with the Team, Shirin has shown that she has the all-round characteristics needed to perform well in GC, so we will continue to help her down this path over the next few years and hopefully see her on many podiums!”
