Fan Peloton talk: 'For me, Team Visma | Lease a Bike is about so much more than just cycling'
In our column ‘Fan Peloton talk’, we put members of the Fan Peloton in the spotlight. Who are they, why do they feel connected to Team Visma | Lease a Bike and who is their favourite rider? In this episode, we have a chat with Lucas Gilbert.
Name: Lucas Gilbert
Age: 26 years old
Residence: Craponne (France)
What made you decide to join the Fan Peloton?
"I became a member six months ago, on my birthday, because I wanted to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at my favourite cycling team. It's great to get to know the team even better this way."
Where did your love for Team Visma | Lease a Bike begin?
"My love for the team started in 2017, when Primož Roglič won a stage at the Tour de France. From that moment on, I was hooked! Ever since, I've been following the team closely and try to watch as many races as possible every year. I get really invested in the races and always cheer the riders on with great enthusiasm.
What I find so special is that the riders never give up and always push themselves to be their best. Not only does this lead to incredible moments in cycling, but it also inspires me in my everyday life. Their determination motivates me to keep pushing forward, no matter what."
What makes you feel so connected to the team?
"For me, Team Visma | Lease a Bike is about so much more than just cycling. The values the team represents, such as teamwork, hard work and supporting one another, perfectly reflect what I find important in life. Every victory is a team effort. Of course, the riders are the ones in the spotlight, but behind them is an incredible group of people who are just as important. From the mechanics and physiotherapists to the chefs and all the other staff members, everyone plays a vital role. That's why I think the phrases 'Victory Together' and 'Beyond Victory' are so fitting. To me, they perfectly capture what this team is all about."
"It's amazing to experience the excitement of races together with other fans and cheer on the team as one."
What do you enjoy most about your membership?
"The best part is feeling like you're part of one big family. You get to share your passion with people from all over the world. It's amazing to experience the excitement of races together with other fans and cheer on the team as one. On top of that, the membership comes with some great perks! Thanks to the exclusive discounts, I've finally been able to buy some clothing items that had been on my wish list for ages."
Have you ever attended a team event?
"Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to attend an event yet, but it's definitely on my wish list! I would absolutely love to cheer on the team in person one day."
Who is your favourite rider and why?
"That's a tough question! I'm a huge fan of both the men's and women's teams, but my heart leans a little more towards the women's team. Lieke Nooijen is definitely my favourite! It's amazing to see how she continues to grow and improve year after year. I was absolutely thrilled with her victories, including her national championship title and the Eneco Tour.
I'm also a massive fan of Wout van Aert. His victory in Roubaix this year actually brought tears of joy to my eyes. I don't think I've ever cried so much out of happiness while watching a cycling race on television. That just goes to show how much this team means to me."
If you could ask Lieke one question, what would you like to know?
"I'd love to ask her which race she dreams of winning the most in the coming years. And I'd also be curious to know what her favourite dish is."
What is your connection to cycling?
"I've had a road bike for about a year and a half now. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of taking up cycling myself, but unfortunately, my parents couldn't afford to buy me a bike. It was only recently that I was finally able to make that dream come true, which makes every ride even more special to me. I now cycle regularly, purely for the joy of it. What I love most is discovering new places on my bike, both in France and beyond.
And when I'm not out cycling myself, I love watching races on television. I try to follow the entire cycling calendar, from road racing to cyclo-cross and mountain biking. I simply can't get enough of it!"
What would make your membership even better?
"Getting an autograph from one of my favourite riders would be absolutely amazing! An autograph from Lieke Nooijen or Femke de Vries would mean so much to me. But to be honest, I'm already incredibly happy with everything the membership has to offer. The discounts, the exclusive perks and, most importantly, the opportunity to feel even more connected to the team are what make it so special."
Do you want to become member of the Fan Peloton? Join it via this link.
