Bio
My whole life I’ve been riding bikes. I started riding BMX when I was 4 years old. Now I am 25 years old and I am still riding my bike. My family supported me from the beginning on. After winning the National championships 6 times and being World Champion twice, I was looking for a new challenge.
When I rode a mountainbike downhill for the first time in my life, I just loved it. From then on I knew what I wanted to do. Then I got the opportunity to race for a professional Dutch mountainbike team, I took it and I learned a lot about professional sports and how to get down a mountain fast.
A little gir’s dream came true when I became a professional bike rider. For the last years I’ve been riding for the Specialized Factory Team and the BikePark.ch team. Upcoming season I will continue to race around the world with the MS-Intense Factory-Racing team. I’m looking forward to an even greater and more successful season.
Q & A
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When did you turn pro?
At the age of 20.
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What are the events, wins, memories that stand out most throughout your career so far?
Winning twice the World Championships BMX and winning the World Cup 4-cross 3 times in a row. Nothing feels better than standing on the top step of the podium hearing the National anthem playing for you.
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If there’s one thing that people in the industry would recognize you by, what would that be?
My happy face and, and this year my Milka colored helmet and outfit… Top to bottom all Lilac!
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Word Association:
• Fun= Life and riding my bike • Vision= Oakley • Friend= Bas • Foe= What’s Foe?? • Greenhouse= Fresh vegetables and fruits from my dads Greenhouse! • Gas= Very uncomfortable.
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When did you first start riding? Where/why?
I guess I was not a big fan of walking and I started riding my bike from the age of 3. I was just doing endless laps around the house, that’s when my Dad thought it was a good idea to take me to the local BMX track.
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What drives you to be sicker than everyone else?
My drive to be the best.
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If you had to date one person who would it be: “The Situation” from Jersey Shore, The Vampire in Twilight or Wee-Man (hey, some people like their guys “fun-sized”)?
The Vampire from Twilight, that date has to be exiting!!
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If you had to share a bathroom with one Oakley rider, who would it NOT be and why?
Shaun white, I think his long hair will be laying around in the sink and on the floor.
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Tell me a funny story about an Oakley rider...(We’ll never tell)
Oh sh*t where do I begin! Greg Minnaar walking around in a Borat’s thong was a big highlight of my life. Cracked me open… but he did look good in it to be honest ☺
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Gnarliest thing you’ve seen happen on a bike.
Cam Zink doing a huge 360 off of Oakley’s ‘Icon Sender,’ at the Redbull Rampage
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Talent…other than doing no handed pushups:
Squat 200kg… Yeah right :)
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Your Favorite…(Start with your favorite music artist or something):
Kanye West, Pink, my home made burrito’s, Yogurt, VW Tiguan, Ice Age movie.
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Oakleys are…
The most outstanding and coolest brand ever.
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Best song to ride to:
I got the power snap & La Roux, in for the Kill.
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First thing you do when you get back from a trip is…
Go to the Dutch bakery and buy some real bread, make a peanut butter sandwich and then take a nap in my own bed!!
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A lot of riders never get to go to Prom, did you go, who did you take or who would you ask if you could go today?
We don’t have that stuff in Holland!
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What is something that you wouldn't normally tell someone about yourself?
That I get all emotional watching Extreme home make over.
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Dream vacation spot:
Still dreaming of going to Bali one day.
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Would you rather get punched in the gut by Mr. T. or super roundhouse kicked in the face by Chuck Norris?
To be honest… nether one of them, but If I really have to choose it will be Mr. T.
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If the most interesting man in the world wanted to take you out on a date, would you let him?
Yep, no doubt about that!
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People would be super surprised if they knew that you…
Had a day to day job working in a record store for 5 years.
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What tricks are you working on?
No tricks, I only try to ride as fast as possible!
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You’ve been mistaken for…
Ten Beer (get it? BeerTen)
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Food…
Milka Chocolate and peanut butter sandwich..
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James Franco or Robert Pattinson?
They must be some American hotties.. I had to Google them, had no clue who they were :)
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Last words…
Big thanks to Oakley for supporting me over the last 8 years. I am proud to have you guy’s as a sponsor!!
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