Rob cycles up Alpe d’Huez for girlfriend and mother-in-law: “Think I’ll break at the top”

With his journey he wants to raise as much money as possible for cancer research. He experienced up close how much impact this disease can have. “It was a very difficult period for us when my girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer. For the family, but also for the store.”

Rob Vliegenthart and his partner Franka Nelissen run a women’s fashion store in Heerhugowaard together. “That shop was once founded by my mother-in-law,” says Rob, who also goes up the mountain with her in mind. “Just as much of a fighter as her daughter, but unfortunately the cancer came back to her.”

Rob wanted to participate earlier, but the corona years threw a spanner in the works. “This time I thought: we’re just going to do it! I already registered in September.”

He has set up a team for the climb of the Alpe d’Huez: the Remblokjes on Tour. “We are going with a group of nine, six of which are going up the mountain,” says Rob. There is a beautiful story behind the team name. “My cycling buddy and I are called Robbie Remblok and Hansie Handbrake on a descent, haha. So we were inspired by that.”

Up six times

Franka will soon be along the route to encourage. “I am very proud that he is going to do this,” she says. “And whether he goes to the top once or six times, I don’t care. I’m already proud.”

Rob has trained hard and hopes to reach the top six times. “I hardly dare to say it, but I will go for it.” He expects it to be an emotional day. “When I’m done and on top of that mountain, I think the tears will break.”