After a tough Tour de France Femmes, Lotte Claesjoins Saar to reflect on illness, crashes, and the mental battle of a race that didn’t go to plan. The Omloop HetNieuwsblad winner talks about riding through setbacks, the power of the crowd, and the growing pressure around weight in women’s cycling. She shares honest thoughts on Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Demi Vollering, and why balance mattersmore than ever. With her team’s future uncertain, Lotte also opens up about thestruggle to find a new contract — even after a very solid season.

A raw, real chat with one of Belgium’s bestclimbers.