CyclingClassNL, an initiative of the Royal Dutch Cycling Union, Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, is a development programme for the Netherlands’ biggest cycling talents. On a daily basis, Talent Coaches guide the participating juniors on physical and personal development and nutrition. 

Every year, the CyclingClassNL test days are organized. Over the past three seasons, nearly 600 boys and girls have participated in these days. “This year, there was once again a young and ambitious group of cycling enthusiasts at the start”, says Martin Truijens, CyclingClassNL Head Talent Coach. “Many tense faces who eventually left the battlefield with a smile. Above all, a CyclingClassNL test day is a fun day where athletes can test themselves on different components.” During the tests, different parameters are covered: physical capabilities, technical ability, training and performance background and the personality of the participants are mapped to get the most complete picture of the athlete. 

On of the test days was organised at the headquarters of Jumbo Supermarkets in Veghel. The supermarket chain has been involved in cycling for many years. Both as a founding partner of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, but also as a partner of CyclingClassNL. Jumbo Supermarkets plays an important role for CyclingClassNL in the field of nutrition. Since this year, they are also closely involved in the test days. 

Board member Jumbo Supermarkets Jorieke de Vries-Goosen: “At Jumbo Supermarkets, our ambition is to make tasty and healthy food easy, affordable and therefore accessible to everyone. In addition, talent development is very important to us. With this collaboration, both components come together perfectly. We look forward to inspiring and supporting talented riders of tomorrow on nutrition.” 

Now that the test days are completed, it is up to the Talent Coaches to see which participants are suitable for the CyclingClassNL selection and which do not. “That is part of the sport and is confronting, but we always stress that not getting qualified should not affect your enjoyment of the sport. So, our message is: keep on going and let it motivate you to take that extra step towards the future”, said CyclingClassNL’s Head Talent Coach.