7 Months Too Long: Kristen Faulkner Returns (Finally) at the Tour of Flanders

Kristen Faulkner, the American rider for EF Education-Cannondale, made her much-anticipated return to racing at the Tour of Flanders, seven months after her last competitive outing at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Sidelined by burnout and a subsequent knee injury, the 31-year-old’s comeback was a significant moment, with her team and fans eager to see her back in the peloton. Faulkner herself has expressed optimism, eyeing 2026 as a potential peak year.

Faulkner's extended absence underscores the increasing physical and mental demands on top-tier athletes, especially following a breakout 2022 season that saw her win stages at the Giro Donne and Tour of Scandinavia. Her struggle with burnout, a recurring theme in professional cycling, highlights the fine line between peak performance and exhaustion. Her return, therefore, isn't just about one rider; it's a testament to resilience and a reminder of the sport's human cost, particularly for those pushing the boundaries.

Her return at Flanders, a race demanding peak form, suggests a cautious but determined approach. The road to 2026 is long, but for a rider of Faulkner's calibre, simply being back in the mix is the first, crucial victory.