Three-Time World Champion Skips Road World Championships

Marianne Vos withdraws from World Championships

Dutch cycling star Marianne Vos pulls out of World Championships to care for her sick father, says Netherlands coach Laurens ten Dam.

“She's the woman in top form, with a second-place finish in the Tour de l'Ardeche...”

Three-time world champion Marianne Vos won't be participating in the Road World Championships in Rwanda. Netherlands coach Laurens ten Dam explained that Vos is staying home to care for her sick father, who recently underwent surgery. “Her father had surgery last week. He was in the hospital. He's doing well under the circumstances, but it's been a very tense and hectic few days for Marianne. I called her and we both decided she’s staying home,” Ten Dam shared with Dutch NOS television.

Vos, 38, has competed in the women’s road race at the World Championships 16 times and won in 2006, 2012 and 2013. She has been runner-up six times.

Marianne Vos withdraws from World Championship to support her family in rough times #Cycling https://t.co/iyiHLleDcQ

— CyclingUpToDate (@CyclingUpToDat3) September 22, 2025

Femke de Vries, Vos' teammate at Visma | Lease a Bike, will replace her in the women's road race in Kigali on Saturday. Ten Dam praised De Vries, saying, “She's the woman in top form, with a second-place finish in the Tour de l'Ardèche. But Marianne Vos isn't necessarily replaceable. So I don't want Femke to step into those shoes. I don't want to put that pressure on her. But we do have a very strong new rider.”