my cycling career

A local youth criterium was where it all started. The first race I participated in was in 1997 at the age of 14. This first experience was actually pretty bad. I didn’t finish last, but ended up 25th out of 30 participants. I had no clue how those kids were able to corner that fast.

The 2nd race went much better. It was another criterium, but this time in Scheveningen. However, this track contained a climb up to a lighthouse which had to be taken with each lap. Apparently I was quite strong, because I could easily keep up with the others this time, and ended up coming in12th.

After two single events in 1997, I got my first racing license in 1998. Turning 15 that year meant the last chance to participate in youth racing. I took part in about 20 criteriums where I learned to earn my spot in the bunch, which was something that was quite a challenge for me. I was just a little kid with an extremely modest character at that point. Although my results were disappointing, I kept on fighting.

In 1998 I moved on to the under 16 category, and things got way more serious at that point. There was not only the supervision of a trainer, but there was also an appointed sports director. All this made the race programme heavier and more challenging for us as a team.

Looking back on 1998, the year was a personal deception. I was not only struggling to claim my place in the bunch, but my main struggle was the huge fear of crashing. And to avoid this, I was on the brakes way too often which was a huge waste of energy.

Luckily both the sports director and trainer noticed my talent despite my struggles, and they made a plan for me to improve my skills and mindset.

I was sent to track training that winter, and as many of you might know, on track you ride fixed gear and without brakes. You might get an idea of what I was going through… Nevertheless, I learned to steer instead of grabbing my brakes. This was a huge game-changer for me, and as a result, it unfolded the true cyclist within.

At my first race in 1999, I immediately started out in the front. In the following races, I quickly joined breakaways more often and started racing for the win.

My first win was at the region championships, I’ll never forget that feeling of glory and pride.

Racing for the win, or at least aiming for a spot on the podium, happened more often in the years after. I finally gained lots of self-confidence and trust, and I finally felt like the real racer I wanted to be for years.

In 2002, at the age of 19, I joined the national amateurs. I was still riding for the same team, but now there was a different staff. 

The transition to amateur cycling was another huge step for me. All of a sudden you compete with ex-pros and other very experienced riders. I once again had to earn my spot and fight for it. That didn’t come easy, and I lost confidence and trust. However, I had learned to persevere in the past and decided to do the same this time by giving it a shot, making mistakes and learning by doing.

Nevertheless, I didn’t feel I was getting the support from the staff that I really needed. By the end of 2004, I then decided to switch teams.

The year 2005 felt like a fresh start, and I immediately felt embraced by my new team. Despite the resentment I felt towards my old team, I found fun in cycling again. 

Quickly my results improved, and I achieved my first win after a tough period. I was back in the game, and a second win soon followed. A dream then came true by winning the Naaldwijk criterium with a 10 km solo. The town Naaldwijk is kinda like my backyard, plus it’s the playground of my old team.

The main takeaway of that period is that feeling supported is probably one of the most important pillars to perform and excel.

By the end of 2006, at the age of 23, I had the feeling that I reached my top. I was still putting lots of effort into training, but it all became routine. My results weren’t getting better, and I got bored. Besides, I realized that there were many more opportunities in life. I had a professional career in IT and marketing, and I also developed an interest in electronic music and nightlife. Quite a tough combo with cycling.

When I was approached by another team at the end of 2006, I felt flattered. The staff and I had a great chat and I agreed to join them for 2007. We also agreed in advance that this would be my last year of racing. Nevertheless, I was extremely keen to make this my best racing season ever, simply because I had this ambition to quit at my top.

Yep, 2007 was absolutely a fantastic year! I was pretty much always racing to win, and although I only won twice, I regularly was finishing in the top three.

By the end of the 2007 season, I was completely done with cycling. I moved to the city of Rotterdam to pursue my professional career, and as a side hustle, I got myself turntables and started buying records. I was ready to explore the possibilities as a DJ now.

Although both the professional and DJ business was going well, I didn’t experience much joy. I gained weight, I lost rhythm and missed that feeling of true challenge.

As soon as my weight was reaching 100 kg (220 lb) in 2012, I made up my mind: I got back on the bike, which was extremely tough and challenging. I kept riding my bike more often and then started planning a comeback in 2013…