a conversation with...
The Mobel Sport - Cycle Sierra Nevada Scholarship was developed as a way to sponsor young cyclists that may not have opportunity or financial capacity to avail of a cycling training camp. In this section we take 5 minutes for a quick chat with one of the applicants selected for the 2017 program.
Daan van Meeuwen - Utrecht - The Netherlands
Who are you?
I am Daan van Meeuwen and I am 18 years old. I live in Utrecht in The Netherlands and I am an U23 rider.
What team do you ride for?
This year I rode for Willebrord Wil Vooruit, next year I will be riding for UWTC de Volharding - WIlton Cyclingteam.
Why did you start cycling?
When I was young we always watched cycling races at home. I also had driven several bikes before and enjoyed it. So when my parents let me choose a sport I was very clear. I wanted to start cycling, my parents agreed and I started at a local club. At first it was quite a lot of work, because I needed to get brought by car to the training. My parents however, were always supportive and so I started racing at 9 years old and never stopped.
Have you any sporting backgrounds apart from cycling?
During the winter period I used to do ice skating for two years. I enjoyed it, but I preferred cycling and decided to quit ice skating and continue road racing and cyclo-cross.
What type of cyclist are you? Do you compete in other disciplines, other than road cycling?
I used to do cyclocross, but decided to fully focus on road racing last season. My favorite races are those with some hills in them. I also enjoy the stage races with some more demanding terrain.
Favourite piece of cycling equipment/kit?
My Castelli Perfetto jacket, it keeps me warm and dry during typical Dutch weather.
Your greatest achievements on a bicycle?
My victory in the Dutch Classic 'Omloop van de Maasvallei' in 2014. I never thought I would win there, but stayed away and won the race. Also my 2nd place at the U6 cycle tour in Sweden this year was nice.
Your favourite professional cyclist? (past and present)
Bradley Wiggins and Filippo Pozzato
Most memorable moment/stage win from professional cycling?
Niki Terpstra winning Paris-Roubaix in 2014 youtube
Your favourite stage race and one day race? Why?
My favorite stage race is the Giro d'Italia, because it is one of the most demanding races. For the one day race it would be Giro di Lombardia, cause of the wonderful area and the action packed race.
What's your current favourite music album/song?
If I had to chose it would be Eye Of The Tiger from Survivor!
Tell us something we don’t know about you already and you don’t mind the general public knowing?
I love coffee, I can really enjoy a good coffee at a nice place.
Hopes and plans for the future?
This year will be about performing in the big races, last year was not good enough to get in a continental U23 team so I will try harder this time and hope to get some decent results.
