Lots of beer and top sport, they are two extremes. Yet the (alcoholic) refreshments are crucial for cycling criterion eight of Chaam. That is why singer Django Wagner is just as important on the podium of Chaam as green sweater winner Jonathan Milan on the road. “Financially, the festival is necessary to be able to continue to organize this event,” says Ellen de Roover of the organization.
At the Night of Chaam on Tuesday evening, there was little talk about cycling heroes on the event site. It was about parties and was a big reunion for residents of Chaam and the surrounding area.
The party was continued on Wednesday afternoon, with Django Wagner and La Fuente in the evening as most famous artists. “And all for free to see, where is that possible. When we asked entrance for entrance years ago, we noticed that the number of visitors were declining. We got rid of that full of conviction,” says Ellen de Roover.
“Of every consumption, a part goes to the organizing committee of this criterion. That money is very welcome, because the costs are increasing. In the field of safety, for example, but also to bring good riders here. The salaries of the toppers have risen and cyclists are often out of home, so it is increasingly difficult to convince us this year.”
With the eight of Chaam, once mentioned because the course looked like an 8, it was pleasantly busy on Wednesday afternoon along the course. Such as by Fenne and her brother Dex from Steenbergen and bicycle friend Liam from Hoeven. “Yes, it is very nice to see those famous cyclists in real life,” says Dex, who appears to know a striking amount about the cyclists. “I like to read about it.”
A little further on, Fon Verhoeven from Gilze enjoys a beer. “Who is going to win? I think Joop Zoetemelk,” while his friends laugh. “This trail is it. Especially those mountains halfway.”
And so there are more visitors who mainly come for fun, where cycling is in place two. “The night of Chaam was so cozy. Now we start quietly, but the evening is still long,” shouts a hoarse Henk from Chaam.
Without beer, but with a yellow sweater around his shoulders, Lambert van de Wiel is ready to cycle his miles. The 82-year-old Berlicummer from the ‘Op return’ group participates in the retro race. He doesn’t do that on a modern racing bike, but on an old samples. “I have so much at home, but it fits perfectly with the race.”
Cycling appears to be his greatest passion. “I rode competitions for 54 years and achieved good results. The sport has given me so much pleasure. Nice to start in Chaam, a great event.”
A little after 6.30 pm the professionals started their 80 -kilometer journey. Jonathan Milan won for European champion Tim Merlier and Dutch champion Danny van Poppel. The party on the event site continues until midnight.
