Chantal Blaak

A Dutch classics specialist who captured the rainbow jersey in 2017 and won major cobbled/hilly one-day races before retiring in 2025.

Born in Dronten, Netherlands, on January 8, 1990, Chantal Blaak emerged from the Dutch cycling system to become one of the most formidable classics specialists of her generation. Growing up in a cycling-mad nation with a rich tradition in both road racing and cyclo-cross, she developed the versatility and tactical acumen that would define her professional career. Her early exposure to varied terrain and racing conditions laid the foundation for her eventual mastery of cobbled classics and one-day races. Blaak's professional career flourished during the 2010s as women's cycling gained increased prominence and media coverage. Her breakthrough came with victory at the 2017 Tour of Flanders, where she demonstrated the combination of power and tactical intelligence that became her trademark. The following year, she claimed victory at Gent-Wevelgem, further cementing her reputation as a cobbled classics specialist. Her career reached its pinnacle in 2021 when she won the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes, making history as the first woman to claim victory in cycling's most prestigious one-day race in over a century. These victories established Blaak among the elite of women's one-day racing, with her ability to excel on flat roads, cobbled sectors, and in tactical sprint finishes making her a versatile threat across multiple race formats. Her success contributed to multiple UCI Women's WorldTour victories for her various teams throughout her career, showcasing consistent performance at cycling's highest level. Blaak's significance extends beyond individual achievements to her role in elevating the profile of women's cycling during a crucial period of growth for the sport. Her victory in the first modern Paris-Roubaix Femmes represented a historic moment that symbolized the expanding opportunities for female cyclists. Her tactical racing style and consistent competitiveness helped establish new standards for women's one-day racing, contributing to the sport's development and inspiring a new generation of cyclists to pursue excellence in the classics.

Blaak is known for her tactical acumen and ability to position herself perfectly in the finale of races. She combines excellent bike handling skills with a powerful sprint finish, making her particularly dangerous in reduced bunch sprints after hard races.

Blaak helped elevate the profile of women's cycling through her World Championship victory and consistent performances in the biggest races on the calendar.

• World Road Race Champion 2017
• Tour of Flanders 2020
• Amstel Gold Race 2018
• Strade Bianche 2021