Esra Tromp, Operations manager at Team Jumbo-Visma, about the collaboration: “Visma is an expert at solving business challenges so they are providing the software and the expertise to help us find the Next Top Mechanic. Thanks to Visma, this search was a great success. There were a lot of applications, so we were very happy with Visma's support.”

Team Jumbo-Visma spoke to Jan, looking back on the audition and his adventure with the team during the Tour of Denmark.

“I felt really happy and proud of myself to achieve that, it is one of the best moments of my career." Jan did not have much time to celebrate however, he needed to travel home quickly. “When The Next Top Mechanic was finished, I directly traveled home so I didn’t have much time to take everything in. But after a while and after the race it was in my head all the time. Winning the competition gave me the confirmation that I’m good at what I do. That is a wonderful recognition to get and it boosted my confidence.”

“I can’t even describe that amazing feeling to join Team Jumbo-Visma during a race. I just had a smile on my face that didn’t go off, it is such a pleasure to be wearing the team clothing every day in Denmark. Before I traveled to Denmark I didn’t do any specific preparations, my decision was to do like I normally do. And also during the Finals of The Next Top Mechanic. I told myself: ‘don’t be nervous and anything should go great’. And I guess this really works for me, because it was all fine."

Jan was a part of the mechanics team during the Tour of Denmark and was expected to work alongside the team to prepare everything so the riders could shine. Team Jumbo-Visma asked him how his first experiences with the team were. “At first I was nervous about joining the team. But when I got to know everybody in person after a few days I felt great. Especially the two other mechanics made me feel welcome. They showed me around and explained to me their way of working. I couldn’t imagine a better start and welcome.”

“They directly put me to work with all kinds of jobs. I did a little bit of everything; packing up the truck, checking the bikes, changing tires, washing bikes and cars, standing in the feed zone for two days." In many ways, Jan had not only a great week of cycling, he also learned a lot on the job. “Every day was valuable, because I learned every day. Cycling on this level is really different compared to what I am used to, so I took a lot of knowledge from that week. After a few days we were making fun during work together. That was a great feeling of being part of the team. The atmosphere is professional with enough space to have fun, which is important to me.”

After Jan had joined our team during the Tour of Denmark, he left a good impression. Such a good impression that Team Jumbo-Visma decided to offer him a contract. Something that was the initial plan for the winner of The Next Top Mechanic, subject to the fact if someone fits in with the team. His reaction to this offer: “I was very proud. To have achieved this at the age of 21 years old. It is a goal I worked rather hard for and I cannot wait for the next season to start.”

“I am thankful to Visma for providing me with the opportunity of The Next Top Mechanic. It is for this competition that I’ve achieved this result already. I think it is a great way to drive attention for the work of mechanics and also an opportunity for people like me to jumpstart my career. I wouldn’t be at Team Jumbo-Visma now if it wasn’t for Visma. It is a defining moment in my career as a mechanic and I know I can learn and grow in this team. Everyday I will contribute to the team as much as possible so we can be successful together and over time getting better in what I like to do most; being a top mechanic!”

The metaphor of the mechanic working behind the scenes to streamline performance is a role Visma strongly identifies with in its partnership with Team Jumbo-Visma as a trusted provider of cloud software solutions. Simplifying core activities is what drives Visma’s employees on a daily basis. It’s therefore a natural fit to find The Next Top Mechanic and help generate awareness and appreciation for the job that mechanics are doing every day.