The end of 2021 was the most successful month in the long and honorable career of Ellen van Dijk (Trek-Segafredo). She won the European Championships road race in dominating fashion, and nine days later won the world title in the UCI Road World Championships individual time trial. Nine days later, he won the world title in the individual time trial of the UCI Road World Championships

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Van Dijk revealed on a conference call with the cycling press on Tuesday that the effects of the concussions he suffered in these crashes are still lingering and hampering his preparation for next season.

"I still can't train at normal training times or intensity. Sometimes I think I'm doing really well and then I have a day when I'm completely off and can't train. I'm still juggling both, but it's getting better."

The start of the season has therefore been postponed until the end of February to allow for a full recovery. First on the menu are the spring classics. Van Dijk said, "These are my favorite races, so I want to do well and of course win one."

In fact, before his crash in Paris-Roubaix, van Dijk was listed as one of the favorites to win.

"I think this race suits my characteristics very well, but this time it didn't go my way ....... It wasn't my race, but at least it was the coolest race for the team. Of course I want to win, but at the same time I know it's not just about fitness and I'm praying it will be dry!"

Van Dijk's season will also be shaped by the jerseys he will wear as European road race and individual time trial world champion. Defending these titles is another important goal for van Dijk, as well as controlling the impact on her mindset.

"The last time I was world champion [in 2013], I felt really pressured, I had to show that I was the best every time, I had to win every race while wearing this jersey.

"It wasn't a fun year and I didn't enjoy it at all, so I learned from that. Now I really want to enjoy it and I already have this jersey, so I want to consider everything a bonus."