'It's been an incredibly hard few months' – Dutch sprinter returns to racing following the death of his father and a traumatic training assault

Dutch sprinter Arvid De Kleijn made his return to professional racing this week at the Circuit Franco-Belge, following a challenging period marked by personal tragedy and a traumatic incident. The Tudor Pro Cycling rider, known for his fast finishes, has been sidelined since February after the passing of his father and a subsequent training assault in Spain. De Kleijn expressed a clear desire to win again, dedicating his comeback to himself, his team, and his support network.

De Kleijn’s return is significant for Tudor Pro Cycling, who rely on his speed for sprint finishes, particularly after his impressive victory at the 2023 Paris-Tours. His absence from the early-season classics and sprint opportunities undoubtedly impacted the team's results. This comeback also highlights the often-unseen mental and physical resilience required of professional athletes, especially when confronting profound personal adversity alongside the inherent dangers of training on public roads.

De Kleijn's stated ambition to win again, despite the recent trauma, is commendable. One hopes his legs, and his head, are truly ready for the unforgiving demands of the peloton.