Twenty-five-year-old Chantal Haenen enjoyed a stellar year 2021 in the H5 category, being crowned UCI World Champion in both the time trial and road race. She also won the European Championships.
She has started 2022 just as strongly, earning the leader’s jersey of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup after the first two rounds in Ostend (Belgium) and Elzach (Germany). In last weekend’s 44.4km road race she sprinted to victory with an average speed of just over 30km/h.
In six quick-fire explanations, she gives us a glimpse of the person, the athlete and her aspirations.
Accident: At the end of 2015 when I was 18 years old I had an accident. My legs couldn’t be saved so I now have a double above-knee amputation. After the operation, I knew I wanted to finish my degree and move on with my new life.
Family life: I grew up in the countryside, living on a farm. I love the peace, quiet and nature. I have a big family – mom, dad, three sisters and two brothers. My family has always supported my dream of becoming an athlete.
Beginnings in the sport: The first time I ever sat in a handcycle was at my rehabilitation centre. We trained for an event called the Handbikebattle. We went to Austria and climbed the Kaunertaler Gletscher with the handcycle. That’s where I fell in love with the sport.
Typical training week: My training week consists of cycling six to seven times. My trainer likes the easy rides really easy, hard rides really hard and long training really long (four to six hours). I row two or three times a week, too.
Sporting model: When I started handcycling I looked up to Andrea Eskau [multiple Paralympic medallist in para-cycling and cross-country skiing]. I wanted to become as good as her. She had such a strong sprint, which I thought was so cool. Now my sprint is also my strongest weapon.
Sporting goal: My aim is always to become stronger than I was last year and keep improving myself. Also, to improve my bike – to make it lighter and faster.
Brief explanation of para-cycling sport classes
C – Cyclist: conventional bike with adaptations if necessary
T – Tricycle: three-wheeled bike
B – Visually impaired: tandem bicycle ridden with sighted pilot
H – Handbike
Each group is divided into different sport classes (1 to 5), with the lower the number indicating greater impairment.