“Cycling has undoubtedly changed our lives. It is our passion, but also our profession. For a child, the impact can be even greater. A bicycle makes it easier to get to school, often provides a first taste of independence, and suddenly opens up a world of possibilities. After-school activities, weekend outings and new adventures all become more accessible. By donating our prize money, we hope to make this possible, inspire children to get on their bikes, and show them just how much joy and freedom cycling can bring”, says Victor Campenaerts, speaking on behalf of the riders.

On Wednesday 14 October, the riders of Team Visma | Lease a Bike arrived at the start podium of the Eneco Tour on a very different kind of bike. Instead of their familiar racing bikes, they rode donated children’s bikes to draw attention to ‘Elk kind een fiets’, an initiative by ANWB, Lease a Bike and Team Visma | Lease a Bike.

What began as a symbolic gesture has grown into something much more personal. Deeply moved by the realization that at least one child in every classroom does not have a bike, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders competing in the Eneco Tour have decided to donate the prize money they earn this week to the initiative.

For the riders, Wednesday’s appearance on the start podium was a reminder that a bicycle can mean something very different to every child. Their decision to donate their prize money is a way to ensure that more children get the chance to discover what they have always known themselves: that a bike can be the start of something special.