From the Winter Olympics to a Flèche Wallonne debut – Sandrine Tas begins cycling career with Lotto–Intermarché Ladies

Sandrine Tas is embarking on a remarkable transition from winter sports to professional cycling, making her debut with the Lotto–Intermarché Ladies team at the prestigious La Flèche Wallonne Femmes. Just months after competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in speed skating’s 5000m event, Tas is shifting her focus to the road, stepping into one of the Women's WorldTour’s most challenging one-day races. Her debut will see her tackle the iconic Mur de Huy climb, signalling a bold start to her cycling career at the highest level. Tas’s athletic versatility is well established, having previously achieved success as a two-time Olympian and as a European and World Champion in inline skating. Her cycling credentials have steadily grown since 2024, when she claimed the Belgian national time trial title in the WE2 category for non-contracted riders. In 2025, she further demonstrated her potential with an eighth-place finish in the elite women’s road race at the national championships and victories in national-level races such as Wilsele and Zottegem-Strijpen, all while balancing her Olympic ambitions. Reflecting on her transition, Tas emphasised the mental and physical preparation required to switch disciplines. After a period of rest following her skating season, she has been training intensively and feels ready to compete on the road. She expressed enthusiasm about joining Lotto–Intermarché and the opportunity to race alongside experienced teammates, highlighting her eagerness to embrace the challenges of professional cycling. Lotto–Intermarché Ladies will field a strong squad at La Flèche Wallonne, including other riders with diverse sporting backgrounds such as former runner Annelies Nijssen, who is also making her debut at the race. Alongside seasoned riders Dina Boels and Marieke Meert, the team will also feature young talent like 19-year-old Ilken Seynave, who will be making her first appearance at the event. This blend of experience and fresh faces positions the team well for the demanding Ardennes classic. Tas’s move underscores a growing trend of athletes crossing over from other sports into professional cycling, bringing fresh perspectives and competitive drive. Her debut at such a high-profile race not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the increasing appeal of cycling as a versatile and inclusive sport. Observers will be keen to see how Tas adapts to the rigours of the WorldTour and whether her diverse athletic background will translate into success on the road.