Dutch sprinter Sofie van Rooijen, 22, had an outstanding season on the road in 2024, culminating in an incredible win in the U23 women’s race at the European Continental Championships. Describing herself as previously ‘scared of sprinting’ the Dutch rider has become one of the most exciting fast finishers in women’s cycling and will bring her qualities to UAE Team ADQ.
Van Rooijen was a promising gymnast as a child but took up cycling after her grandfather bought her older sister, and fellow pro rider, Anne, a new bicycle. Seeing her sister ride for the first time inspired Sofie and it wasn’t long before she joined her family on bike rides. At first, the family bike rides went as far as the ice cream shop on a warm Sunday afternoon but it wasn’t long before Sofie discovered her passion for racing. Gymnastics was put to one side and van Rooijen became a noticeable talent within the junior ranks, picking up a silver medal at the European Continental Championships in 2019.
The following seasons saw van Rooijen develop steadily, and in 2024 she burst out from the pack with several impressive results, including her first win at the Drentse Acht van Westerveld, where she beat WorldTour-level opposition.
