‘I hope no one replaces her’ - Why Annemiek van Vleuten's retirement might be good for cycling

Adam Blythe and Orla Chennaoui believe that Annemiek van Vleuten's retirement from cycling could be good for the sport, hailing her as an «all-time great» but suggesting that the Dutch rider is perhaps too dominant. Van Vleuten secured overall victory at the Tour de France Femmes, dominating the final two stages of the race to take a commanding win more than three minutes ahead of Demi Vollering despite struggling with illness during the opening days of the Tour.

Ad/> It added another significant crown to a glittering palmares for a rider who only took up cycling professionally at the age of 26, Van Vleuten completing a Giro Donne/Tour de France Femmes double at the first opportunity after securing her third pink jersey in Italy earlier in July. Tour de France Femmes'How fantastic is that?' — Rowe and Christmas revel in huge crowds on La Planche des Belles Filles5 HOURS AGO The Dutchwoman signed a one-year contract extension this summer through to the end of 2023, when she intends to call time on a career that has also included four monument wins, two Olympic medals and three world titles.

Eurosport's Chennaoui and Blythe admit that they will be sad to see Van Vleuten bow out, but feel the 39-year-old's retirement could give way to a more competitive era of racing. «I don't think anyone can replace her,» assessed Eurosport expert Blythe.

«To be honest, I hope no one ever does replace her. »It is great watching her, but she is so much better than everyone else that everyone is playing catch-up all the time.