'I have no idea what to expect' – Influencer Puck Moonen returns to pro peloton after four years out

After a four-year hiatus from professional road racing, Dutch cyclist Puck Moonen has made her return to the peloton at the UCI 1.1 Veenendaal-Veenendaal race in the Netherlands. Moonen, who previously rode for Lotto-Soudal between 2017 and 2019, will lead the MtD Women’s Elite team in a field that includes top-tier competitors such as Charlotte Kool and Femke Gerritse. The race itself is notable for its history, having been won by prominent riders like Lotte Kopecky and Annemiek Van Vleuten, adding prestige to Moonen’s comeback on home soil. Moonen’s return comes after significant personal and physical challenges, including surgery on a narrowed iliac artery six months prior and a cervical cancer scare last year. Despite these setbacks, she expressed a mixture of excitement and nervousness ahead of the race, acknowledging the uncertainty about her current form. Her recent activities have included competing in gravel events such as the Sea Otter Classic and the UCI Gravel World Championships, indicating that while she has stepped back from the professional road scene, she has remained active within the broader cycling community. The 30-year-old’s decision to race at Veenendaal-Veenendaal, a 120-kilometre event based on laps around the town near her birthplace of Sint Michielsgestel, may signal a tentative re-entry into professional road racing. Whether this outing marks the beginning of a sustained return or simply a one-off appearance remains to be seen. Moonen’s presence in the race highlights her ongoing passion for cycling and her desire to compete at a high level despite the time away and health challenges. Moonen’s journey resonates beyond just the sporting aspect, reflecting resilience and adaptability as she balanced a burgeoning social media career with her athletic ambitions. Her large following on Instagram underscores her influence in the cycling world, where she has become a prominent figure not only for her racing but also her engagement with fans and the broader cycling culture. This comeback will be closely watched by supporters and the cycling community alike, eager to see how she performs against some of the sport’s leading riders.