After major surgery Van Anrooij can ride again: "January is finally here"

Shirin van Anrooij is back on the bike! After a strong spring, followed by a somewhat disappointing Tour de France Femmes in which she eventually finished 13th and missed the World Championship, it became clear that a medical issue had obstructed her performance. Two months after her surgery, the Lidl-Trek rider is now ready for the next phase of her recovery.

"January is finally here, which means surgery was two months ago, and I'm allowed to increase the hours on the bike," the Dutch rider wrote on her Instagram account. So, the 22-year-old rider can finally start training more and more often, which is a crucial step in her recovery process.

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Earlier this year, the problem surfaced

Earlier this year, it became clear that the cause of her problems was a constricted groin artery. This condition prevents riders from delivering full power in their legs during demanding efforts. "It was a scary diagnosis at first. But I had successful surgery, and I now have a smile on my face again," she said at the time.

Although the road to full recovery will take some time, Van Anrooij is determined to return to her highest level. She is expected to be able to compete again in four more months.

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As a result, she will miss the cyclo-cross season anyway, but she will also have to miss a large part of the road season.

Despite the longer recovery, Van Anrooij remained positive and confidently looked to the future. She stressed then that the support she receives from her family, friends, teammates, and staff members is essential. "It's been great. It makes the process a lot easier."

In the Netherlands, Van Anrooij now begins the great unknown. Her first bike trips as part of her recovery are behind her. The rider will be determined to return to the top, although it is too early to say when she will return.

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