Name: Steven Luichjenboer
Age: 27 years 
Residence: Gouda (the Netherlands)

What made you decide to join Team Visma| Lease a Bike?
"I've been following cycling for quite some time and have been a fan of this team since I was young. On the one hand because it's Dutch, but also because of its history. I've seen the team grow from rock bottom to become one of the best teams in the world. I think that's really special."

What do you like most about being a member? 
"That you feel really involved with the team. You get to experience unique things and it's nice to get a glimpse inside the team. I like the interviews, but also the documentaries, Victor Campenaerts' vlogs and the recipes we receive. When the team wins a major race, we as members get the chance to celebrate the victory. That makes membership extra special. I really feel that, as well as being a fan, you are also part of the team. You are included in everything."

What are the benefits of being a fan?
"So far, I've bought the unique Tour shirt every year. I think they come up with cool designs every year. I also have all kinds of clothing from the webshop in my wardrobe. As a member of the Fan Peloton, you get a nice discount."

What events have you been to? 
"I went to the Trilogy premiere in Breda with my father. That was really cool. A few months ago, I went to a fan day at the HPC, where we went to watch a Giro stage with a number of Fan Peloton members. We also got a tour of the office, which I found very impressive to see."

Where did your love for the team come from?
"My parents took me to the Tour start in Rotterdam in 2010. Robert Gesink was riding for Rabobank at the time, and I was a big fan of his. After Rabobank stopped sponsoring the team, it had to start from scratch. Eventually, the team grew bigger and bigger and developed into something beautiful and successful. Thanks in part to riders such as Laurens Ten Dam, Jos van Emden, Robert Gesink and my namesake Steven Kruijswijk, I started following the team more and more."

Who is your favourite cyclist on the team? 
"There are several. Wilco Kelderman is one of them. He's a hard worker, and I would really like to see him win. Wout van Aert is also a favourite. I think it's remarkable how he came back after his serious crash and managed to win a very nice stage in the Tour. I also have a lot of admiration for Jonas Vingegaard. He's always there and can handle the pressure really well. I'm also pleased that Steven Kruijswijk recently extended his contract. Steven is one of my childhood heroes."

Suppose you could ask them something. What would you want to know? 
"I would like to know what it's like for Wilco and Steven to ride among all those young guys as “veterans”. What role do they play and what can they mean to the younger generation? They were once leaders themselves, but now they are often used as domestiques. I'm curious to know how they feel about that and how they fulfil that role."

What is your affinity with cycling? 
"I started cycling when I was sixteen and have been doing it for more than ten years now. I try to go cycling with my father at least once a week. During the holidays, we usually go somewhere. We have already climbed most of the big mountains, such as Mont Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Croix de Fer and Col d'Iseran. I have participated in Alpe d'Huzes twice. We also regularly take part in rides, such as Limburg's most beautiful. I really enjoy being able to share this passion with my father."

What would make membership even better for you? 
"Let me start by saying that I am very satisfied with my membership. What I might like to see is a fan zone at a race, so you can talk with like-minded fans. Of course, you have the community via WhatsApp, but you don't talk to each other face-to-face there. I also always enjoy a Q&A with a rider."

Do you want to become member of the Fan Peloton? Join it via this link.