Kristen Faulkner: European Cycling Season Begins!

Kristen Faulkner’s return to European racing this Sunday at the Tour of Flanders isn’t just a comeback story; it’s a potential inflection point for both the rider and the EF Pro Cycling team. After a shoulder injury derailed her 2025 season and a surprisingly productive off-season, Faulkner is poised to challenge for major victories, starting with a strategic role in the cobbled classics and building towards ambitious goals at the Tour de France and World Championships.

Faulkner’s 2025 season was cut short by a torn labrum sustained at the Tour de France. While a significant setback, the enforced downtime proved unexpectedly beneficial. Unlike the whirlwind following her Olympic success in 2024 – a period she now acknowledges was marked by burnout – this off-season allowed for genuine recovery and a rediscovery of passion for cycling. The two lengthy California coast rides, undertaken with friends, weren’t just about physical conditioning; they were about reconnecting with the joy of riding, a crucial element often lost in the intensity of the professional circuit.

The decision to incorporate track cycling into her preparation, culminating in a dominant performance at the Pan American Championships, is particularly noteworthy. Track work, specifically the pursuit disciplines, builds explosive power and enhances time trialing capabilities – skills directly transferable to road racing. This strategic choice underscores a deliberate effort to refine her strengths and address potential weaknesses, especially as she sets her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Pan-Ams also provided a crucial psychological boost, reigniting her competitive drive after a period of uncertainty following the high of the 2024 Olympics.

The Forward Look: A Calculated Push for Grand Tour Glory

Faulkner’s ambitions are clear: win a stage at the Tour de France, contend for the World Championships time trial title, and consistently challenge at the highest level of women’s cycling. Her team, EF Pro Cycling, appears to be building around her, evidenced by the strategic inclusion in the Tour of Flanders despite initial plans for a later season start. The team’s assessment of its classics riders – recognizing potential for “sneaky” success beyond the established stars – suggests a willingness to take calculated risks and leverage Faulkner’s return to disrupt the status quo.

The Ardennes races will serve as a crucial testing ground, allowing Faulkner to refine her form and build cohesion with her teammates before the demands of the grand tours. The emphasis on team dynamics is significant; Faulkner explicitly highlights the importance of collaboration, recognizing that success in cycling is as much about interpersonal synergy as individual prowess. Looking ahead, the next two years will be pivotal. Faulkner’s success will likely hinge on her ability to maintain this rejuvenated mindset, effectively integrate her track training into her road racing strategy, and capitalize on the tactical opportunities presented by a team willing to challenge the established hierarchy in women’s professional cycling. The fact that she’s prioritizing reconnection with her teammates suggests a strong team culture, which will be vital for achieving those ambitious goals.