Fan Peloton talk: 'The documentaries make me feel even more connected to the team'
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 Rachel Vagts.
Name: Rachel Vagts
Age: 55 jaar
Residence: Denver
Why did you join the Team Visma | Lease a Bike Fan Peloton?
"I joined the Fan Peloton in 2024, just before I went to watch the Tour de France with my brother, stepsister and nephew. However, I’ve been following the team for much longer – to be precise, ever since Primoz Roglic almost won the overall classification of the Tour de France in 2020. In 2021, my compatriot Sepp Kuss won a Tour stage, and that certainly contributed to me becoming a fan of the team."
What are the benefits of being a member?
"I like that we get lots of behind-the-scenes content, such as videos and interviews. The documentaries make me feel even more connected to the team. I also find it interesting to learn more about how the team operates and what the various staff members do. What I also appreciate is that you give attention to both the men’s and women’s teams. Another benefit is that, as fans, we get a discount on products from the online shop. I’ve certainly taken advantage of that already."
"I support the whole team, but I’m a particular fan of Sepp Kuss."
Have you ever been to an event?
"Unfortunately, I haven’t been to an event at the High Performance Centre yet, but I did get to spend a day with the team during last year’s Vuelta a España. That was a fantastic experience, made even more special by the hospitality of Eddy Bouwmans and Theo Eltink. They went out of their way to make it special, including a hugely exciting ride in the support car behind Ben Tulett on the time trial course. I’m looking forward to going to the Giro one day to complete my Grand Tour hat-trick."
Who is your favourite rider on the team and why?
"I support the whole team, but I’m a particular fan of Sepp Kuss. I appreciate everything he does for the team, but I was also absolutely delighted to see him win the Vuelta. I was lucky enough to go to Durango to celebrate his victory alongside his hometown. It was a fantastic party in the city park and a brilliant bike parade."
If you could ask him one question, what would you like to know?
"I’m curious to know how his background as a mountain biker has helped him become successful on the road. I’m trying to encourage my nephew, who also does mountain biking, to take up road cycling just like Sepp."
What’s your connection to cycling?
"I’ve got a bike, but I’m not really a cyclist. It’s become a lot easier to follow races in the US, so I love being able to watch one-day races, multi-day stage races and the Grand Tours. I also enjoy watching my nephew’s mountain bike races."
Do you want to become member of the Fan Peloton? Join it via this link.
