Custom Boone celebrates Junior World Champ Shirin van Anrooij
When 17-year-old Dutch cyclocross rider Shirin van Anrooij hoisted her arms in the air as the new Women Junior World Champion earlier this month, she was the first person ever to receive that title. At previous cyclocross world championships, the youngest age category for women was U23.
In order to celebrate this historic moment, Trek Race Shop put together a custom rainbow-themed Boone to surprise the new World Champ and match her freshly earned jersey.
“I got the design two days after Worlds and I was like OMG this bike is amazing,” Shirin said. “The design is just so pretty, and I really love the personalized details about becoming the first ever Junior Women World Champion.”
Shirin currently rides on a Trek Benelux-supported team called 185 / Athletes for Hope and will transition to Telenet-Baloise later this year.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Shirin said being a world champion is a dream realized.
“Holding the Junior Women world title feels amazing,” she said. “I worked really hard to win this race. Everything was going the way it was supposed to be and crossing the finish line and becoming world champion is a feeling I can’t describe.”
Belga Photo by David Stockman
The World Champion custom Boone design for Shirin features rainbow stripes on the top tube, fork, and chainstay.
The colors are also incorporated into a special icon which commemorates Shirin’s accomplishment. It is also an icon that celebrates expanded acknowledgement of women in competitive cycling.
“Adding the Women Junior category to cyclocross Worlds is an acknowledgement of the depth that young women’s racing has developed,” Trek Sports Marketing Director Tim Vanderjeugd said. “We are excited to support young women to have the best bikes possible on the race course and are proud to celebrate Shirin’s historic victory with her.”
Belga Photo by David Stockman
Shirin is thoroughly enjoying her new jersey and matching Boone.
“For me the personal touches in the bikes design and its sparkles make it really special. The sparkles are just so pretty when the sun’s shining,” Shirin said. “I can’t really compare riding in this jersey to something else. It’s the most beautiful jersey in cycling and I still can’t believe I’m allowed to wear it during races and trainings.”
In addition to earning rainbow status, Shirin helps her team’s sponsor accomplish its mission by winning a World Championship. Each time a team member achieves a major victory, Athletes for Hope receives sponsorship support towards purchasing medical equipment for children with disabilities.
