Anna van der Breggen, born in 1990 in Zwolle, established herself as a dominant force in professional cycling through a decade of sustained performance. Holding citizenship in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, she transitioned from a promising junior rider to a multiple-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, consistently excelling in both one-day classics and demanding stage races.
Professional Ascent
Van der Breggen entered the professional ranks in 2012 with Sengers Ladies Cycling Team. Early success arrived quickly, notably at the 2012 Tour de Bretagne Féminin, where she secured the overall classification. After dedicating 2013 to completing her nursing degree, she shifted to a full-time athletic career. Her move to the Rabobank-Liv Woman Cycling Team in 2014 facilitated further development, leading to consistent top-ten finishes and podium placements in elite races, despite a season-ending pelvic fracture sustained at the World Championships in Ponferrada.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Grand Tour and Olympic Dominance
The 2015 season marked her emergence as a premier stage racer, highlighted by her first general classification win at the Giro d'Italia Femminile. She secured the maglia rosa following a decisive time trial victory. This momentum continued into 2016, a year defined by her gold medal performance in the women's road race at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics. Throughout her career, she attained four total victories in the Giro d'Italia Femminile and seven consecutive wins at La Flèche Wallonne.
World Championship Success and Retirement
Her ability to perform in various disciplines was underscored by her achievements at the UCI Road World Championships. She claimed the road race title in 2018 and 2020. During the 2020 championships, she achieved a significant double by winning both the road race and the individual time trial. Following her retirement at the conclusion of the 2021 season, during which she rode for SD Worx, she transitioned into a directeur sportif role. In June 2024, she announced plans to return to professional racing for the 2025 season.
Fast facts
- Born: 1990, Zwolle
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2016
- Giro d'Italia Femminile Wins: 4
- UCI Road World Championships Gold: 2018, 2020
- Keetie van Oosten-Hage Trophy: 2015, 2016, 2018
- Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau: Yes
- Honorary Medal of the City of Zwolle: 2021
- Occupations: Sport cyclist, directeur sportif
Questions readers ask
How many times did Anna van der Breggen win the Giro d'Italia Femminile?
She won the general classification of the Giro d'Italia Femminile on four occasions.
What is the status of her professional racing career?
After retiring at the end of the 2021 season, she announced a return to competitive racing for the 2025 season.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau
- Olympic gold medal
- Honorary Medal of the City of Zwolle
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- 2014 UCI Women's Road World Cup
- 2013 UCI Women's Road World Cup
- 2015 UCI Women's Road World Cup
- 2012 UCI Women's Road World Cup
.jpg)