my early life

I was born in 1983, The Hague, Holland. And I grew up living the perfect family life.

My mother has been and still is, the most lovely and caring mother I can imagine. As the perfect housewife, she was always around for me and my older brother. My father took great care of our family, working five days a week to pay the bills and he absolutely made sure we didn't felt short in anything whenever he was around.

Both were there whenever my brother or I needed them.

For as long as I remember my father went to work by bike. A 15 km one-way ride which makes 30 km a day and 150 km a week. At least as long as the weather conditions were okay. In addition, he got out for a longer ride each weekend. Solo or with friends.

As a result, I developed a keen interest in cycling, encouraged by my father. In time I asked to join him for a ride. And he agreed.

That’s where it all started. Now imagine him all fancy riding his fast Koga Miyata. And me as an 8 years old kid following on my regular Gazelle school bike…

Although I had trouble keeping up with my father, I really enjoyed it. So after a while, my school bike was replaced by my first racer. A gift that turns out to be one of the most impactful ones of my life.

My father and I were quickly getting excited about the idea of me joining a cycling team. But it took several years before my mother reluctantly agreed.

I joined the local cycling team in 1996 and a year after I took part in my very first race. A local youth criterium.