At WestCord, we only have top performers! In this section, we focus on the employees participating in the WestCord Classic. Colleagues from various WestCord Hotels are taking on the challenge and cycling 285 km over two days, passing through different WestCord Hotels! The goal is to raise as much money as possible for Stichting Fier in Leeuwarden, an organization dedicated to addressing issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, and the loverboy problem.
Why is the WestCord Classic organized? Michael Westers
'The WestCord Classic is organized for several reasons. First, for the athletic challenge of cycling multiple long distances. It motivates and inspires people to train, get outside, and maybe even try a completely new sport. Secondly, it's about connecting people from different hotels by bringing them together for a fun activity. It's incredibly enjoyable to get to know people from outside your own hotel. Additionally, participants come from all levels of the organization, meaning you get the chance to speak with and get to know everyone in a different way. It's also just fun to occasionally organize an extra activity for colleagues. And finally, it's a small opportunity to see the Netherlands from a bike because this country is truly beautiful and diverse.'
How do you prepare for the 285 km you’re going to cycle? Gilles van Kesteren
'Last week, I went to Italy, specifically to Molveno in the Dolomites, where I did seven cycling tours – including climbing the Sella Ronda, Stelvio, and Monte Bondone. In total, I cycled over 700 kilometers and climbed more than 12,000 meters in elevation. With that, I should be able to conquer those Dutch polders. Of course, I’ll keep cycling over the next few weeks, but I’m also kickboxing on the side.'
What moment of the ride are you most looking forward to? David Francois
'The answer that will often be given is 'the finish,' but I’m actually looking forward to the start! I’ve done running routes with WestCord colleagues before, and the atmosphere right before you start is always great fun. Everyone is full of energy and ready to make a fantastic athletic achievement. After the starting gun, attacking the route as a team seems like the best moment of the Classic to me.'
What is the most enjoyable aspect of cycling with colleagues during this event? Niek Strous
'It’s really fun to engage in a sporting activity with your colleagues and get to know each other in a different way. Also, the fact that colleagues from other locations are joining makes it a great experience.'
What motivates you to participate in the WestCord Classic? Irene Wagenaar
'I saw the WestCord Classic pop up on my timeline and immediately got excited! I’ve been cycling for a while and recently became more passionate about it, so it seemed like a fun challenge to join a longer ride. Plus, it seems like a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other hotels!'
How sporty are you? Frank Tuhusula
'As a child, I was always very sporty. Football was my thing, but I actually enjoyed almost every sport. When I turned sixteen, I started working in hospitality. Because I worked every weekend, I started to exercise less. Then, two years later, when I went to study, it became even less. Although, with a group of friends, we did win the student indoor football championship in Leeuwarden! After my studies, when I started working at WestCord Fashion, I mostly worked evening and weekend shifts, so sports took a back seat again. Until 2018, when a friend helped me get a second-hand racing bike. My colleague and good friend Maarten was already a passionate cyclist, and I often joined him. At first, it was really tough—after all, I hadn’t done anything for about fifteen years! But it got better and better, and eventually, it became really fun. Later, I got Johannes as a colleague at Hotel Jakarta, an enthusiastic runner. Thanks to him, I started running during the corona period, and I enjoyed it more and more. Then, in 2021, Michael challenged me to do a triathlon on Ameland. I can hardly swim, but I thought, why not? The challenge appealed to me, and that's actually what always motivates me and what I kind of need. This year, I participated for the second time with the team from Hotel New York in the Roparun. I’ve noticed that when I have a goal, sports become much easier for me!'
What is the biggest challenge for you during the WestCord Classic? Marijke van der Niet
'My biggest challenge during the WestCord Classic is a tough one. I think I already faced my biggest challenge during the ride two years ago, mainly due to not being physically fit enough to finish the entire ride. This year, I see it more as a fun, social ride with a group of sporty colleagues, so I no longer see it as a big challenge.'
What do you like most about cycling as a sport or recreation? Dominique Kalfsvel
'That I can clear my mind and release my energy.'
Have you done long bike rides before? Maarten van Amerongen
'I've done long rides before, like climbing Alpe D’huZes and cycling from Amsterdam to Leeuwarden with WestCord in 2022, about 167 km.'
What is your favorite bike route in the Netherlands? Johannes van der Kooi
'As a true Frisian, I can only say that the Elfstedentocht is my favorite. It’s an annual tour with over 12,000 cyclists traditionally held on Whit Monday. It’s a 240-kilometer ride that passes through all the cities of Friesland. Every city and village you cycle through is a real celebration!'
What makes working at WestCord Hotels special for you? Rick de Jager
'The opportunities and possibilities that WestCord has offered over the past few years.'
What is your favorite WestCord Hotel? Sylvana Lansu
'Without a doubt, Hotel Jakarta. The combination of the calm, green surroundings with the bustling city makes it so special. It truly feels like an oasis of peace, even though you’re right in the middle of Amsterdam. The atmosphere is always relaxed, and I’ve stayed there several times, each time having a great experience. The sustainable approach and the greenery everywhere give it a unique charm that you won’t easily find anywhere else!'
How important is teamwork during this bike ride? Harry-Jack Westers
'Teamwork is important in regular cycling to win as a team. We’re not racing for the win, but for the achievement. However, we can still take on multiple roles. We want to finish as a group, so it’s important to stick together. The most experienced and trained cyclists can lead the group so the rest can ride behind them and stay out of the wind. These leading cyclists should rotate to share the effort. There also needs to be an experienced person at the back to make sure the front riders don’t get too far ahead and leave others behind, using good communication. Support is also necessary; we need to eat and drink along the way, and if there are mechanical issues, we’ll need to fix them on the route when possible. That’s why we have a support vehicle along the way. All of this makes teamwork important during the WestCord Classic.'
