Story
A 10-year old boy called Jeroen Hop watched Lance Armstrong looking over his shoulder, before he disappeared on the steep slopes of the famous Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France. In January 2012, the same boy rode up a mountain in a touring car on the island of Mallorca. He didn’t know where it was coming from, but he got the feeling he wanted to ride up this mountain on a bike.
The boy bought a second hand way too small Giant racebike and rode small tours when the sun was out. It was 2017 when he joined a consultancy company which made a yearly cycling trip to the mountains. He desperately wanted to join the trip. His next thought was: ‘I don’t want the rest to have to wait for me on every mountain top’. A new hobby of cycling, training, improving, food and materials was born. In September 2019 they set off to the magical Dolomites. He fell in love.
In 2022 he decided to pursue his dream and he quit his office job. It is January 2023 when he found himself in a cycling hotel for a training camp with the TDT-Unibet Pro Cycling Team in Denía. As logistics manager he had to make sure the cycling team was equipped properly so that they only had to perform. After this experience he wanted to share his enthusiasm for riding in the mountains with as many people as possible. Ride Up with him!
Experience
.
5 years Cycling Tour Organizer.
1 year Team manager at SmartDry – Girona Cycling Team.
1 year Logistics manager at TDT-Unibet Pro Cycling Team.
Mont Ventoux
One week in a villa with catering. The group rode up the Mont Ventoux from all 3 sides that week, with some scenic rides in between. The stunning Gorge de la Nesque in 24 degrees was a big highlight.
Dolomites
One week in a cycling hotel with great breakfast and even better dinner. Enjoying the majestic Dolomites by riding the Sella Ronda, Passo Giau, Passo Valparola, Passo Falzarego and Passo Fedaia (Marmolada). Beautiful.
Stelvio
One weekend company trip for a charity event in Bormio. Inexperienced cyclists had the time of their life before and after conquering the prestigious Passo dello Stelvio (twice).
Northern Alps
One week of enjoying scenery combined with challenges as we saw the tops of the Cormet de Roselend, Col du Petit St. Bernard, Col de l’Iseran, Val Thorens and the terrifying Col de la Loze.
Classic Alps
One week in a house from where the Tour de France classics were within cycling distance: Lacets de Montvernier, Col de la Madeleine, Col de Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer. One day we took the car and drove to Allemond, from where we rode up the Dutch mountain: Alpe d’Huez.
Southern Alps
We stayed a week at a B&B hosted by a lovely Belgian couple. They tipped the best restaurants for the typical French cuisine. From the B&B we could climb the Col de Vars, Col Agnel, Col d’Izoard, Balcons de Durance and visit the light blue Lac de Serre Ponçon.
Calpe
One week in a cycling hotel riding the same routes the pro’s do. We therefore met a lot of them while cycling or while having coffee at one of the many cycling cafe. A visit to the cyclocross of Benidorm was the icing on the cake.
Tenerife
A winter escape to the always sunny island of the El Teide volcano. One of the longest climbs to be done in Europe, so a true endurance test. Always good to come to the open atmosphere of Tenerife with good weather and fine food.
Tuscany
Romance? Well yes, cycling on the gravel through the Tuscan vineyards is romantic. However, hard as well! The short steep climbs form a true challenge. The fresh made pastas and stays at classic Agriturismos are a joy to the body and make you want to jump on the bike again next day.
Girona
The cycling capital of Europe. Jeroen had the experience of working for a Girona based cycling team in 2022. He fell in love with the surrounding, with perfect roads and paths for the roadbike, gravelbike and mountainbike. Many cycling cafe’s and hotels are to be found. Staying here immediately lets you feel like a true pro!
Keep In Touch