In this episode of our series Champions, NH investigates why people participate in cycling events in our province. Every year, thousands of people get on their bicycles to move around and to get around joint discover a piece of North Holland. Why would you join one this bike rides and what makes cycling ‘together’ so much fun?
Le Champion has been organizing cycling events since 1969. There is now a choice of more than 20 cycling events. The tours lead through beautiful nature reserves, villages and towns. Everyone can participate, it is well organized and there is always a choice of different distances.
For most people who participate, the combination of socializing and being sporty plays a major role. The same goes for cycling friends Marloes, Lianne and Nienke. They are participating in the Tour of the West Frisian Omringdijk today. They know the course well, because they all come from the area.
“It is mainly the atmosphere that is important. Everything is well taken care of and everyone is having fun. Everywhere you meet people and you have small talk. This way you share the passion for the sport and the environment,” says Marloes. “Exercise is healthy, fun and good for the mind. But it’s also just a fun day to enjoy yourself in a sporty way,” adds Nienke.
Proud of the province
But besides the sporty fun, there is another reason why the cycling friends participate. They enjoy showing others their West Friesland. “We come from this area ourselves and know it well. But the people who participate are not all from here. It gives you a sense of pride to see them all enjoying the landscape”, Nienke confesses with a laugh.
Event manager Jan Willen Mijderwijk of Le Champion understands Nienke’s pride. “Our routes introduce you to places you wouldn’t otherwise come to easily. They pass castles, beautiful villages and then again along the IJsselmeer. North Holland is a province with a lot of diversity and we can be proud of that,” he says.
Stick behind the door
Participant Tanja Slagter also enjoys the landscape today. But for her there is another important reason to register for a cycling event. It’s a big stick to keep moving: “If you know you’re participating, you have to make sure you’re in shape. Otherwise there is always an excuse not to go. And now you have to,” she explains.