Cover stories: Issue 108

Cover stories: Issue 108

The story behind Michael Blann's photo that adorns the cover of our final Issue of 2021

Words: Rachel Jary

Anna van der Breggen was in London for Rouleur Live. After months of interviewing riders on Zoom, plagued by dodgy WiFi connection and an awkward lag, the thought of having an in depth conversation with a legend of cycling was refreshing, exciting, and a little nerve-wracking.

I’ve watched Van der Breggen race for years. When I was growing up with a pipe dream of becoming a professional cyclist, she inspired me. Her perfect pedalling style, athletic physique, pristine kit and pure strength as she raced was something I dreamt of as I slogged away on my turbo trainer at home. I’m sure I wasn’t the only young cyclist taking note as she stormed up the Mur de Huy and sprinted to Olympic Gold.

So there I was, in London, about to meet Anna, with butterflies in my stomach and clammy palms. While I knew so much about her in a racing sense, I wasn’t sure who she was away from the bike, and the unknown was a little scary. As she casually walked into the hotel lobby, wearing a smile, a hoodie and Nike trainers, and I greeted her, explaining we had a short walk to the studio where the interview and photoshoot would take place. 

Subscribe now to receive issue 108

Me and this multiple World and Olympic champion, who I’ve looked up to for almost a decade, walked side by side down the streets of Holborn. For me, it was surreal. For Anna, it was probably just another interview. Openly, she chatted about seeing Covent Garden for the first time the evening before, and how she planned to go to Camden the following day. Immediately, I relaxed. We entered the studio, sat down, and it was the least interview-like interview I’ve ever done. I had a list of questions, but I barely looked at them. The conversation just flowed, thanks to Anna’s candid and generous answers.

So, the cover photo is Anna van der Breggen by Michael Blann. After my chat with the Dutch rider, we spent some time photographing her in the studio. The cover is one of the last shots Michael took, after a long process of outfit changes, a variety of hairstyles and lighting adjustments. We were grateful for Van der Breggen’s patience as we deliberated agonisingly, because the outcome is perfect.

In her World Champion jersey, looking away from the camera, with her hair in the signature bun that she wore to so many victories in her impressive career, the picture is a symbol of Van der Breggen leaving racing. She’s turning away, but still with those World Champion stripes in her armoury, using the knowledge she has built up in all her years of success in her new chapter as a Director Sportif for SD Worx.

When Rouleur’s best selling women’s issue was released in January, we made a promise to improve the way we reported on women’s cycling. To finish the same year with Anna van der Breggen on the cover of the magazine, paying tribute to her breathtaking career, there is no better way to round out 2021. 

While Anna may have turned her back on racing, I like to think she’s looking forward in the photo. Ahead to the Tour de France Femmes, to a future for women’s cycling that is brighter than ever before.

Subscribe now to receive issue 108

Words: Rachel Jary

READ MORE

‘It would be a shame to get stuck in disappointment’ - Wout van Aert is a fighter

‘It would be a shame to get stuck in disappointment’ - Wout van Aert is a fighter

Despite the criticism he has faced following his Dwars door Vlaanderen disaster, the Belgian is still motivated ahead of the Tour of Flanders

Leer más
SD Worx-Protime v Elisa Longo Borghini: the Tour of Flanders mind games have begun

SD Worx-Protime v Elisa Longo Borghini: the Tour of Flanders mind games have begun

Both Elisa Longo Borghini and Lotte Kopecky are looking to win De Ronde for a record third time. Can anyone spoil the party? 

Leer más
Mads Pedersen might go long at Tour of Flanders again: 'I can’t wait to see what the others do'

Mads Pedersen might go long at Tour of Flanders again: 'I can’t wait to see what the others do'

The Lidl-Trek rider finished second in De Ronde in 2018, and has been trying ever since to elevate himself onto the podium's top spot. To...

Leer más
Tour of Flanders CEO is changing cycling like no one has before: ‘There’s no such thing as a rule'

Tour of Flanders CEO is changing cycling like no one has before: ‘There’s no such thing as a rule'

Former basketball player Tomas Van Den Spiegel has revolutionised Flanders Classics, creating a model of bike races that could become the benchmark for all. And...

Leer más
Tour of Flanders 2025 men preview: Is there any beating Tadej Pogačar?

Tour of Flanders 2025 men preview: Is there any beating Tadej Pogačar?

Rouleur takes a look at the favourites for De Ronde this Sunday

Leer más
‘Social media is a cancer of society’ - This is how Tadej Pogačar is doing things his own way

‘Social media is a cancer of society’ - This is how Tadej Pogačar is doing things his own way

The world champion says that making his own choices, keeping things fun and blocking out the noise is crucial to his success 

Leer más

READ RIDE REPEAT

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Get closer to the sport than ever before.

Enjoy a digital subscription to Rouleur for just £4 per month and get access to our award-winning magazines.

SUBSCRIBE