{"id":7576,"date":"2026-06-28T22:03:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T22:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/new-champ-lieke-nooijen-defeats-femke-markus\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T22:03:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T22:03:23","slug":"new-champ-lieke-nooijen-defeats-femke-markus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/nl\/new-champ-lieke-nooijen-defeats-femke-markus\/","title":{"rendered":"New Champ: Lieke Nooijen Defeats Femke Markus!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mike Dogterom wint NK Wielrennen in Roden – RTV Zulthe<\/a>In a thrilling display of endurance and strategy, Lieke Nooijen of Visma-Lease a Bike clinched the Dutch National Road Race Championship title, outpacing Femke Markus of SD Worx-Protime in a decisive two-up sprint. (cyclingnews.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old Nooijen, who had previously secured a bronze medal in the time trial event earlier in the week, demonstrated her versatility and resilience on the challenging 117-kilometer course in Nijmegen. (nos.nl<\/a>) The route featured demanding ascents, notably the Van Randwijckweg and Oude Holleweg, which tested the riders’ climbing abilities and tactical acumen.<\/p>\n

The race unfolded with a series of aggressive attacks, but it was Nooijen and Markus who formed a decisive breakaway. Despite multiple attempts by Markus to shake Nooijen on the climbs, the duo maintained their lead, setting the stage for a high-stakes sprint finish. With 600 meters to go, Nooijen launched an early acceleration, holding off Markus to secure the national champion’s jersey. (touretappe.nl<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Loes Adegeest of FdJ-Suez claimed the bronze medal, while Mischa Bredewold and Femke de Vries rounded out the top five. (nos.nl<\/a>) Nooijen’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the strength and cohesion of the Visma-Lease a Bike team, which has been a dominant force in Dutch women’s cycling.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her performance, Nooijen expressed her satisfaction with the team’s collective effort and her individual form. “I know I am in good form, and to bring that out today… That is really wonderful,” she said. (cyclingnews.com<\/a>) This triumph positions Nooijen as a formidable contender in upcoming international competitions, including the Tour de France Femmes, where she will don the national champion’s jersey.<\/p>\n

The race’s dynamic nature and the strategic interplay between the leading riders underscored the evolving landscape of women’s professional cycling in the Netherlands. Nooijen’s victory is a testament to her dedication, tactical intelligence, and the growing depth of talent within the sport.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/h2>\n