Van der Breggen was drawn to cycling due to its social and competitive aspects. She enjoyed the camaraderie with her friends during training and races. The desire to win trophies motivated her to excel in the sport.

Professional Career

Van der Breggen has been a key member of Team SD Worx since 2015. Her coach and husband, Sierk-Jan de Haan, has played a crucial role in her career. She has also represented the Netherlands in mountain biking and cyclo-cross.

Achievements and Injuries

One of her most memorable achievements is winning gold in the road race at the 2018 World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria. However, her career has not been without challenges. In September 2014, she fractured her pelvic bone during the team time trial at the World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain.

Awards and Honours

Van der Breggen received the Keetie van Oosten-Hage Trophy as the Dutch female cyclist of the year in 2015, 2016, and 2018. She was also named Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau for her performance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Personal Life

Anna is married to Sierk-Jan de Haan, who has competed internationally in road cycling and served as sporting director for Team Jumbo-Visma. They reside in Zwolle, Netherlands.

Post-Tokyo Plans

In May 2020, Van der Breggen announced her retirement after the 2021 season to take up a coaching role with Boels-Dolmans team. She expressed excitement about this new challenge and aimed to give her best on the bike for one more season before transitioning to coaching.

Other Activities

Since 2018, Van der Breggen has been an ambassador for the Bake for Life Foundation. This organisation sets up bakeries in Africa and provides training to locals. Her uncle, Dick van der Breggen, is a board member of the foundation.

Anna van der Breggen's journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated cyclist showcases her dedication and passion for the sport. Her transition to coaching marks a new chapter in her illustrious career.