Dutch · Dwingeloo, Netherlands · Born 18 April 1990Dutch professional cyclist who dominated women's road cycling from 2016-2021, winning Olympic gold, three world titles, and six Giro Donne victories.
Born in Dwingeloo, Netherlands on April 18, 1990, Anna van der Breggen grew up in a cycling-enthusiastic family and began competing as a junior. She initially balanced her athletic pursuits with academic studies, earning a degree in pedagogy while developing into one of the Netherlands' most promising cyclists. Her early career showed versatility across multiple disciplines, establishing the foundation for what would become one of cycling's most complete skill sets. Van der Breggen's breakthrough came in the mid-2010s when she began consistently contending for major titles. Her career peaked between 2016 and 2021, a period during which she dominated women's professional cycling. The pinnacle arrived at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she claimed gold in the road race, outsprinting Sweden's Emma Johansson in a tactical finale. This victory established her as a major force in international competition and marked the beginning of an unprecedented run of success. Her achievements across multiple formats demonstrate remarkable versatility. Van der Breggen won the UCI Road World Championships four times, capturing both road race and time trial titles. She claimed the prestigious Giro d'Italia Femminile six consecutive times between 2016 and 2021, a record that underscores her dominance in stage racing. Her 2020 and 2021 seasons were particularly exceptional, as she secured double world championship titles in both years, winning both the road race and time trial at each event. Following her retirement from professional racing in 2021, van der Breggen transitioned to team management as a sports director with SD Worx, one of cycling's premier women's teams. Her impact on the sport extends beyond individual achievements, as she helped elevate the profile and professionalism of women's cycling during her career. Widely regarded as the most complete female cyclist of her generation, van der Breggen's combination of tactical intelligence, climbing ability, and time trial prowess set new standards for versatility in professional cycling.
She is most famous for winning the Olympic road race gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
How They Played
Van der Breggen was known for her exceptional climbing ability and tactical acumen, making her particularly dangerous in hilly and mountainous terrain. She possessed a powerful finishing kick and the intelligence to time her attacks perfectly, often waiting until the crucial moments to make race-winning moves.
Lasting Impact
Van der Breggen elevated the profile of women's cycling through her consistent performances at the highest level and helped inspire a new generation of Dutch female cyclists.
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold Road Race 2016
- World Champion 3x
- Giro Donne 6x
Dutch Athletes