Febe Jooris already exchanged words with Pogacar at UAE and dreams: “I want to experience that euphoria again”
Febe Jooris (21) defends the Belgian honor with the women’s team of UAE Team Emirates. Our promising compatriot already met Tadej Pogacar there and has drawn up a bucket list. “I would like to win a European title or world title in time trial,” it sounds ambitious.
Among the men, UAE Team Emirates has been number 1 in the world for several years. They also aspire to the throne among women.
One of the riders who should help realize that goal is Febe Jooris.
The 21-year-old talent excelled 3 years ago with a bronze medal around her neck at the Junior World Time Trial Championships.
“A euphoria that I would like to experience again,” she says during an internship in Benidorm. “In the next 2 years I can still ride the time trial championships among the promises. A European title or world title is at the top of my bucket list.”
Febe Jooris is entering her second year at UAE. She found last season disappointing.
Classics
Jooris rode for the UAE promising team last year. “A disappointing season,” she sighs.
“I did not take the steps I wanted. And that was partly due to a hip operation that I underwent in August.”
Jooris also saw several matches canceled. “There are many WorldTour races, but the races underneath are often forgotten.”
“As a result, as a young rider you often cannot take the step you want.”
If I can take a step myself, I will get opportunities in smaller classics such as Nokere Koerse.
Febe Jooris
Despite a difficult year, Jooris was promoted to the UAE WorldTour team this winter.
“In my first season I will mainly play a serving role in the classics for Elisa Longo Borghini, Karlijn Swinkels and Lara Gillespie.”
“But if I can take a step myself, I will get my chances in smaller classics such as Nokere Koerse.”
And what are the longer-term ambitions? “I want to develop into a classic rider. I also want to go far in smaller stage races, and I should be able to do that with my time trial. Although I do have to regain some of my confidence against the clock.”
Febe Jooris is promoted to the UAE WorldTour team.
Morning greetings Pogacar
In the women’s team, Jooris looks up to Elisa Longo Borghini, two-time winner of the Tour of Flanders.
“Elisa is a very good example of what a role model should be in cycling. She is a very open and calm person.”
Our compatriot naturally admires Tadej Pogacar in the men’s team.
“Have I met him yet? The men’s and women’s teams sit together on training. And then a few words are exchanged. I only said “good morning” to Pogacar.”
Jooris has lost her heart to another rider: Tim Torn Teutenberg (from Lidl-Trek).
“We met each other on the slopes and have been a couple for 2 years. I would like to be as good as him. We motivate each other and bring out the best in each other.”
Febe Jooris has lost her heart to the German rider Tim Torn Teutenberg.
