Looking ahead: positive Nooijen reflects on her successful 2024 season
Lieke Nooijen’s first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike turned out to be a major success. The young cyclist looks back with great satisfaction on her debut year in the yellow-and-black jersey, during which she claimed six victories. “This past year, I’ve developed enormously. I feel stronger and more mature as a rider, and I can’t wait to take new steps forward.”
From the very beginning, Nooijen felt at home with her new team. “The support here is incredible. The staff ensures that everything is arranged to perfection, and the team spirit is fantastic,” the ever-positive Nooijen begins.
While the team still maintains a strong Dutch identity, Nooijen notices it’s becoming increasingly international. “The connection among the riders is excellent. We have both young talents and experienced riders, and that combination works perfectly. Everyone learns from each other, which makes us strong as a team. All nationalities bond really well.”
Nooijen describes herself as a versatile rider but admits her true passion lies in time trialing. “That’s an area I want to develop further in the coming years,” she explains. “Over the past year, my time trialing has improved significantly, thanks in part to the team’s support. They provide me with all the resources and opportunities to work on it, and it’s paying off.” Beyond time trials, Nooijen also thrives in classics and grand tours. “I can handle hills, which I think makes me a valuable rider for various types of races.”
"Racing the Tour de France Femmes is every cyclist’s dream"
Her first year in the WorldTour brought not only personal growth but also notable results. Nooijen claimed her first individual victory at the Princess Anna Vasa Tour in Poland, a moment that left a lasting impression. “That was truly special,” says the Dutch rider. Still, her silver medal at the Dutch National Time Trial Championships was the highlight of her year. “That result surprised even me. It was the reward for all the hard work, and it gave me so much motivation.”
Another unforgettable moment was her debut in the Giro d’Italia. “Your first grand tour is always special,” Nooijen says enthusiastically. “It’s tough, but the experience of riding a grand tour is indescribable. I hope to compete in more grand tours in the future and grow toward the absolute top. Racing the Tour de France Femmes is every cyclist’s dream, and I carry that ambition with me every day. It’s what motivates me when I wake up, go to bed, and get back on the bike every day.”
Nooijen’s 2024 season kicked off in Australia, making for a unique start to the year. In November, she also had the chance to travel to the United States. “Together with Matteo Jorgenson from the men’s team and CEO Richard Plugge, I represented Team Visma | Lease a Bike during a visit to Cervélo. That, along with starting my season in Australia, was a truly special experience,” the 23-year-old recalls.
Looking ahead to the new season, Nooijen has big ambitions. “As a team, we’re making great strides and have significant goals for the coming years. I feel privileged to be part of this and hope to contribute to future successes. We truly operate as one team, and that’s what makes us strong. I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring,” Nooijen concludes.
