Dutch federation U-turn on under-23 cuts with appointment of Chantal van den Broek-Blaak as women's U23 national coach

Chantal van den Broek-Blaak, the 2017 world road race champion, is set to return to the Dutch cycling scene as the new coach for the women’s under-23 national team. This appointment by the Royal Dutch Cycling Federation (KNWU) marks a reversal of their earlier decision to cut back on under-23 programmes, which had seen the dismissal of the previous U23 coach and withdrawal from key events such as the World and European Championships. Van den Broek-Blaak, who retired in early 2025 after a distinguished career with SD Worx-Protime, will now focus on nurturing the next generation of Dutch female cyclists ahead of the 2026 championships. The introduction of a dedicated women’s U23 coach is a new development for the KNWU, coinciding with the first standalone women’s U23 race at the 2025 World Championships in Rwanda. Unlike their male counterparts, who have had the U23 Nations Cup and the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes, women’s under-23 racing has lacked a consistent series, with the latter event cancelled for 2026. The federation’s earlier cuts to the U23 programme had raised concerns about the future of young talent development, especially after the departure of the men’s U23 coach and the absence of Dutch teams at recent U23 events. Van den Broek-Blaak’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to the women’s U23 category, with plans to field squads at both the World and European Championships. She will also work closely with the junior women’s coach, Tom Leezer, to create a seamless development pathway. The Netherlands has a strong tradition of producing top female riders from a young age, including stars like Demi Vollering and Lorena Wiebes, but the country faces increasing competition internationally, making this investment in youth development crucial. Reflecting on her new role, Van den Broek-Blaak emphasised the importance of the U23 category as a stepping stone to elite success. Drawing on her extensive experience at major championships, she aims not only to enhance athletic performance but also to mentor young riders in their personal growth. Her motivation stems from her own career journey, which included both setbacks and triumphs, and she hopes to inspire the next generation to reach their full potential while enjoying the sport. The KNWU’s decision to reinvest in the women’s U23 programme may have wider implications for Dutch cycling, potentially reversing the trend of reduced support for emerging talent. With the evolving landscape of women’s racing and the cancellation of some traditional events, the federation’s focus on coaching and development could help maintain the Netherlands’ position as a leading force in women’s cycling. Van den Broek-Blaak’s involvement brings both experience and credibility, signalling a positive step forward for the sport at the grassroots and national levels.