Two days of living like a pro during the BetCity Elfstedenrace

Two days of living like a pro during the BetCity Elfstedenrace

On Wednesday, 4 October, the BetCity Elfstedenrace took place in Friesland. Team Jumbo-Visma and BetCity used the second edition of this Dutch race to let amateur cyclists live like professionals for two days. Seventy-eight cycling enthusiasts, divided into 18 teams, participated in a team time trial before the official race and got a unique insight into the world of professional cycling.

In August, Team Jumbo-Visma and BetCity invited amateur riders to sign up with three teammates for the 'Live like a Pro for two days' campaign. They had the chance to win an all-inclusive package, including accommodation and participation in a team time trial. Eighteen teams were selected from all the entries.

They reported to the Bergumermeer holiday park in Friesland on Tuesday, 3 October. After all the riders had settled into their temporary accommodation, two Team Jumbo-Visma mechanics explained the team bikes and their work with Team Jumbo-Visma. Then it was up to performance chef Karin Lambrechtse to explain the diet and menu of, among others, Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert and Sepp Kuss. Of course, the amateur riders also enjoyed a well-balanced meal to help them perform at their best during the team time trial. The evening ended with an interview with Grischa Niermann, sports director of Team Jumbo-Visma, and a cycling quiz.

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"It's great that we got the change to experience this"

Team 'Brommers van Breda'

On Wednesday, 4 October, the teams took turns to complete a six-kilometre lap of the official BetCity Elfstedenrace course. Team WJM had the fastest legs. The foursome completed the time trial in 7:57:96 minutes. This performance was rewarded with four VIP tickets to the 2024 Tour de France time trial. "It was very cool to gain information into the professional organization of Team Jumbo-Visma from the inside," said one of the four winners afterwards. "With all this information and striking examples in our pocket, we were able to let our legs do the talking during the time trial and put #winningtogether into practice."

After enjoying the professional race from the front row, the amateurs had their jerseys signed and went home with a unique experience.

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