Sheltered from the wind: Mijntje Geurts

I started cycling at a very young age. I then spent two years in the junior category, in a team where there were only six of us girls. In my second year as a junior, I won a major race, and that’s when I joined Lotto. I was 17, so I turned professional at a very young age.

I think I really took things step by step. One step, then another. Every year, I gained a bit more experience and a bit more confidence.

Yes, my dad used to cycle. Not really competitively, but he loved it and really enjoyed riding. When I asked him if I could give it a go, he was the first to be thrilled. He really enjoyed seeing me cycle, and that’s what got me started.

One of my greatest victories was a race in the junior category. It was completely unexpected: I’d fallen, I’d had to change bikes twice, and yet I still managed to win. Whenever I’m having a day when I lack confidence, or I’m not feeling at my best, that’s often the moment I think back to.

Not really. I don’t think too many rituals are a good thing. These days, I prefer to go with the flow and see how the day goes. When I was younger, I couldn’t manage it that way, but now I just go with the flow.

That’s a difficult question. What people don’t necessarily know is that we have a lovely dog at home. When I get home, I can walk for hours in the woods with him, and it’s a real pleasure.

As I spend part of the year in Calpe and the rest in the Netherlands, I often miss him. My parents run their own business, so he’s never alone: he goes to work with them all day. He’s always happy, and it’s nice to know there’s always someone who’s glad to see you come home.
Before cycling, I also did gymnastics and dance, but I don’t have time for that anymore.

In the cycling world, I’ve learnt a great deal from Marianne Vos, with whom I spent two years. She’s had her ups and downs in her career, but she always stays strong. When she has a bad day, she knows how to tell herself that tomorrow is a new day. I’ve learnt a lot from her and I really admire her.

Outside of cycling, I also admire a Dutch gymnast who managed to take a break, then return to the very top and win an Olympic title. That ability to bounce back inspires me a lot.

The early years were tough, precisely because I was very young and found myself racing against riders like Marianne Vos. These days, I’m much better at coping, and I feel more at peace mentally.

Two years ago, I went through a difficult period: a new team, Covid, heading straight to the Tour Down Under, and I couldn’t even call my parents because of the time difference. I eventually spoke to someone to get help, and I learnt that sometimes you have to seek support. Today, I feel much stronger mentally.

It’s really hard for me, especially because my immune system is weak. I have to be very careful not to get ill, so I avoid seeing relatives who are unwell, even when I really want to.

I live mainly in Spain, whereas my friends and family are in the Netherlands. I ring my parents every day, and my grandparents sometimes come to visit me. My best friends used to cycle and stopped last year, so they really understand why I can’t always be there. When people make the effort to understand, everything goes smoothly. 

For me, a good season is, above all, one where I’m as healthy as possible. Then, if I keep improving and reaching new milestones like I have this year, I’m really happy.