Wonderful news arrives at UAE Team ADQ, and this time it goes beyond cycling. Dutch rider Pauliena Rooijakkers has announced that she is expecting her first child, with the baby due in November.
Rooijakkers, who turned 33 on May 12, is originally from Venray in the Limburg region of the Netherlands and discovered her pregnancy several weeks ago. The news marks the beginning of an important new chapter in both her personal and professional life.
Throughout her career, Pauliena Rooijakkers has claimed two professional victories and achieved major international results, including an outstanding third place overall at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes and a stage podium at the Giro d’Italia Women. Following her debut with UAE Team ADQ last February in Valencia, the Dutch rider had been working closely with the team to regain her best physical and mental condition ahead of a return to competition after a difficult period.
“In recent years, the level of women’s cycling has increased enormously,” said Pauliena Rooijakkers. “It is a sport that demands more and more from our bodies and, as athletes, there are times when we also have to face difficult moments related to health and personal wellbeing. Over the past months, with the support of the team, I have worked a lot on myself to rediscover balance, wellbeing and peace of mind. This pregnancy came as a surprise, but as a woman it makes me incredibly happy. For me, it is also a positive sign and confirmation that my body is healthy again. These are completely new emotions for me and I probably still need time to fully realise everything that is happening, but I can truly say that I feel deeply happy and grateful knowing that soon a child will become part of our lives.”
While embracing this important life moment, Rooijakkers is also already looking ahead to the future of her sporting career: “Right now I want to fully enjoy this new chapter of my life, but I also feel that I still have more to give in cycling. My intention is to return to racing after the pregnancy. Even during these last months I have continued riding almost every day and closely following all the team’s races on the TV. Cycling remains an important part of my life and I’m looking forward to returning to competition next season, just as many other athletes have successfully done after experiencing motherhood.”
Yana Seel, Team Principal of UAE Team ADQ, added: “We wish Pauliena all the best for this important chapter in her life. We can only welcome such news with joy. The team will continue to support her, and we are convinced that this new experience will not only enrich her as a person but will also bring us back a new cyclist”.
(ph. @facepeeters)
