My joy at FFWD

I came here by pure chance! I was looking for a job and this agency sent me to FFWD. They needed an operator for a new chapter in their timeline: machined wheel building! I came in with zero knowledge or interest incycling, but look at me three years, two bikes and one spandex suit later: I'm still enjoying it every day! The fact that everyone in this small but tight team is super excited about what we do gives me a lot of motivation and excitement.

My history in cycling

As a Dutchman I was basically born with a bicycle. All schools I went to were always at distance, and because my parents didn't want their kids to be lazy we always had to go by bicycle. My first experience on a racing bike though, was only after I started working at FFWD three years ago. My colleagues convinced me to go on the road and get confident, even if it only was to get a feel for the product we make. I've been enjoying riding ever since!

My bike(s)

I currently ride two bikes: one is a good old Gazelle Mondial Champion from '84 with an F6R wheelset, which I use to commute or visit friends, the other one is an old Eddy Merckx AMX-1 with F4R wheels in it that I use for the longer rides.

My favorite pair of wheels

That has got to be the RYOT series, in particular the RYOT55. I am a big fan of the new design!

My favorite place to ride

I live on the edge of Zwolle, and in just about five minutes I'm all outside in the nature. There's this road to a village close to Zwolle called Windesheim which I almost always start on.

My goals (in distance)

I just ride for fun without goals, so I think I will just go ahead and skip this question...

My favorite cyclist

To be honest, I never watch cycling races, so I have no idea which riders are currently in the peloton. But if I have to chooseone , I will pick my colleague Tino, our cycling-maniac.

My other interests

When I am not working, I love to play games with friends, whether it be online or around a table. You can almost always find me listening to music, and I like to pick up my bass guitar every once in a while! Oh, and I'm also kind of a vinyl collector.

My favorite movie

I think I have watched the 'LotR' trilogy over 20 times now, they never disappoint. Honorable mentions are 'The Shining', 'John Wick' and anything from Studio Ghibli.

My favorite music

I usually listen to metal and rock music, but you can also find me jamming out to some old school hip-hop or drum and bass as well! And everything between that, really.

My favorite podcast

I don't really listen to podcasts that often, though sometimes I put on the Joe Rogan Experience. Only if the guests are interesting, of course!

My social media

You can find me on Instagram, but you won't find a lot about cycling over there..