SD Worx is also embarking on a 'classification project' with time trial specialist Marlen Reusser: "Really looking forward to it"

Marlen Reusser is one of the pillars of SD Worx, the Dutch women's cycling powerhouse. Although primarily a valuable support rider, the Swiss cyclist is increasingly making her mark as a solo winner. Recently, she clinched victory at the European Time Trial Championships in Emmen. Just before Mischa Bredewold's triumph at the GP Plouay - Classic Lorient Agglomération in early September, Reusser took some time to answer questions from IDLProCycling.com.

Originally from Jegenstorf, Reusser joined SD Worx in 2022 and quickly established herself as one of the team's key assets. Managed by the trio of Lars Boom, Danny Stam, and Anna van der Breggen, the 1.80-meter-tall, thirty-year-old rider is renowned for her prowess in time trials. Out of her 22 professional victories, an impressive thirteen, including the European Championships, have been achieved in individual time trials.

Twice, she claimed a silver medal at the World Time Trial Championships, yet the ultimate gold has eluded her so far, even in 2023 when she was considered the top contender. In early August, during the race in and around Stirling, Reusser halted midway through the time trial, dismounted her bike with a disappointed shake of her head, and sat in the grass. It's a day she prefers not to revisit, she admits while relaxing in the lobby of a four-star hotel in Larmor-Plage.

Reusser excited about 2023 and eager to develop in the coming years

Reusser reflects on 2023 with great satisfaction. "I secured victory in quite a few races myself. When I take into account my podium finishes as well, I can confidently say it's been a successful season. Moreover, I believe I've made significant progress as a cyclist. Initially, I was primarily known for my prowess in time trials, but now I believe it's fair to say that I perform at a high level in road stage races too," remarked the winner of Gent-Wevelgem.

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The cheerful pace-setter asserts that she possesses a range of qualities and skills. "Certainly, my forte is time trials, but I'm essentially competent in various domains. Sprinting isn't my strong suit, but aside from that, I'd consider myself subpar in nearly all conceivable areas. Looking ahead, I could potentially focus on two different avenues: the spring classics or pursuing general classifications. I believe I've demonstrated my ability to perform well in climbing as well. So when considering this, I have quite a few paths to explore," she says with a smile.

As for Reusser's future endeavors, she believes it depends on the specific competitions in question. "As people have observed, I underwent a significant profile change last year. Consequently, the team and I will need to determine which plan offers the greatest likelihood of success. The natural choice is stage races that feature individual time trials. However, when it comes to other types of multi-day races, it remains to be seen. Nevertheless, I'm very eager to assess my standing in that realm. I'm genuinely looking forward to this exciting journey; it's a captivating project," she concludes.

"The idea that as an athlete you can make yourself faster or better is something that appeals to me tremendously"

Reusser is not someone who easily succumbs to panic or stress, as she candidly reveals. She maintains a relaxed demeanor when it comes to her "journey of discovery." "I genuinely enjoy it! If I didn't find this process fascinating, I wouldn't have embarked on it. Personal growth and self-improvement should also be enjoyable. The concept that, as an athlete, you can make yourself faster or better truly resonates with me. I haven't completely deciphered my mental approach as an athlete either. That's another story altogether, but the interconnectedness of it all is intriguing. I'm convinced it will yield valuable insights. I perceive it as a life adventure. If it leads somewhere, that's wonderful. If it doesn't, that's perfectly fine too. It's not as though I've dedicated two decades to this with unwavering commitments to myself."

The recent third-place finisher in Liège-Bastogne-Liège believes she's one of the calmest individuals in the peloton. "I never had parents who set exceedingly high standards. My entry into cycling was rather serendipitous. I think that plays a significant role. I'm very open about it, in any case. If something frustrates or saddens me, I simply step away. That's my nature," she affirms, underscoring her mental resilience. Unlike Demi Vollering, for example, Reusser doesn't work with a mental coach. "I prefer to handle such matters on my own," she concludes.