Name: Johny Barbosa
Age: 50 years old
Residence: Minnesota (United States of America)

What made you decide to join the Team Visma | Lease a Bike Fan Peloton?
"I signed up for the Fan Peloton in July 2024 because I felt this was the best way to support the team. I’d love to be there cheering the riders on from the roadside, but as I live in the United States, that’s a bit more difficult."

What are the benefits of being a member of the Fan Peloton? 
"Firstly, as a member of the Fan Peloton, you receive monthly updates from the team, which go far beyond what is shared on social media. You also get access to exclusive interviews and stories from other fans of the team. Finally, as a member, you benefit from discounts on Team Visma | Lease a Bike clothing and merchandise, so you can show your support for the team in your own community too."

What do you like most about the membership?
"My membership gives me a deeper connection with the team than I would have if I were just following them on TV and social media. Thanks to the exclusive behind-the-scenes content (join our WhatsApp community) it feels as though I’m sitting in the team bus myself, before and after the races. I enjoy getting inside information from the riders."

Have you ever been to one of our events?
"No, unfortunately I haven’t managed to make it yet because of the distance. However, after Sepp Kuss won the Vuelta a España, I did make the twenty-hour drive from Minnesota to Colorado to take part in the celebrations in his hometown."

Why are you a fan of the team?
"I’m a fan of Team Visma | Lease a Bike for several reasons. Firstly, the team consists of exceptional riders. I enjoy watching them because they’re always in contention for a podium place. I also love the way the team works together as a unit to achieve the best possible result. Every rider has their own role and it’s brilliant to see how they work together. I also appreciate that the riders keep their feet on the ground and are driven to get the best out of themselves."

How would you describe Team Visma | Lease a Bike in a few sentences?
"Team Visma | Lease a Bike aims to win as many races as possible with a dynamic and strong team. The squad selects riders who contribute to the shared goal, and it’s fascinating to see how that manifests itself in every race."

Who is your favourite rider on the team and why?
"In the men’s team, Sepp Kuss is my favourite rider. He’s a true team player who does everything he can to ensure the team’s success. I love his perseverance, determination and the smile he wears while on the bike. In the women’s team, Margaux Vigié is my favourite. In my opinion, she has a lot in common with Sepp: she is determined, shows great character and radiates joy when riding with her teammates."

Suppose you could ask Sepp or Margaux one question. What would you like to know from them?
"I’d like to ask Sepp why he’s so fond of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and I’d like to ask Margaux if there’s anywhere else in the world she’d love to cycle but hasn’t been to yet."

What’s your connection to cycling? 
"Because we have somewhat shorter summers in northern Minnesota, I try to cycle as often as possible during this time of year. I enjoy cycling, but I’m certainly not at a level where I can compete; for me, it’s mainly about health and relaxation. I also watch cycling races as often as possible. I’m happy to get up early to catch as many races as I can that are broadcast in the United States."

What would make the membership even better for you?
"The membership already has so many great benefits and I can’t think of anything that would make it any better."

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