Fan Peloton talk: 'Team Visma | Lease a Bike gave the sport more cachet'
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 Jacco Vlijm.
Why did you decide to join Team Visma | Lease a Bike?
"In the first place because I like the Fan Peloton initiative. I value openness and transparency and I like the fact that Team Visma | Lease a Bike lets you see how things work behind the scenes."
Can you explain why you feel so involved in the team?
"Through the messages on WhatsApp, the videos and other small reflections of activities. If there is a race, I like to see what the riders are doing, but also how they are dealing with food and what the care is like. That gives an extra dimension to watch a race."
What do you like most about being a member?
"I like being involved and knowing what's going on. The riders have to deliver performances all year, so I am always interested in the interviews leading up to a race. If there is an event nearby, I try to give as much support as possible. Last year, I had a quick look at the national time trial championship in Elspeet. I also went to Amsterdam twice with my eldest son to watch the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France documentaries. As a Fan Peloton member, I was invited to the premieres. I like to make time for this."
"I can really enjoy the tactics, the attacking spirit and the riders who go through fire for each other."
Why are you a fan of the team?
"I think Team Visma | Lease a Bike has made a positive contribution to cycling. They have given the sport more cachet, especially after the turbulent times where the sport was often in the news negatively. Cycling is an individual sport and Team Visma | Lease a Bike has shown that everyone performs better when you make it a team sport. They have put a lot of emphasis on that in recent years. I can really enjoy the tactics, the attacking spirit and the riders who go through fire for each other. We have seen some incredibly fun races in recent years."
Who is your favourite rider in the team?
"Wilco Kelderman comes from the same neighbourhood as me, so I have been following him since he was young. Wilco is a very modest guy and can cycle incredibly hard. I think he has the most top-ten finishes without a win. He is hugely valuable to the team and I would like to know what kind of powers he pedals away in a Tour de France stage."
What's your affinity for cycling?
"In the past, when I was about 16 years old, I used to cycle a lot of races at the recreational level. I even won the club championships once. Currently, sports is a piece of relaxation for me. I regularly go into the woods to mountain bike."
What would make your membership even better?
"In the Tour documentary, we mainly saw Jonas and Wout. I would like it if we get to see a bit more of the other riders. In addition, I am interested in the logistics part. What needs to be arranged when two teams are in action at the same time?"
Would you also like to join the Fan Peloton? Then sign up via this link.
