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North Holland | October 13, 2021

Riejanne Markus: 'Every day of exercise should be the foundation for every child'

Riejanne Markus is a professional cyclist for Team Jumbo-Visma. A true North Hollander, she started out as a speed skater in her youth, but quickly transitioned to cycling. In June 2022, she became the Dutch road champion. Riejanne is an ambassador for the North Holland Youth Fund for Sports and Culture: "I've been able to turn my hobby into my profession, and I want every child to experience that."

Riejanne was six years old when she started skating. The cycling training she had to do while skating led her to cycling. It started at WTC de Amstel, the club Riejanne still rides for. "We have a large youth club, and eventually I started liking cycling more than skating," Riejanne says.

Sporty family

"In our family, everything revolves around sports," laughs Riejanne. "My mother always played volleyball. Eventually, she also started cycling. My father played soccer until he was 22."^thand then switched to skating and cycling. My sisters and I all caught the skating and cycling bug. My middle sister is also a professional cyclist, and my youngest sister skates marathons and long track races at a high level. A truly super-sporty family.

When I started skating, my father was my biggest role model. I always went to competitions with him and knew right then: this is what I want to do. When I started watching cycling on TV, my biggest role model was Fabian Cancellara (former Swiss professional cyclist).

Why cycling and not skating?

"Good question." Riejanne thinks for a moment. "I've always really enjoyed time trials. The race against the clock. Which is also a big part of long track speed skating. And yes, I really enjoyed that battle to be just that little bit faster than last time. In road races, you have the combination of having to be physically strong, but also the tactical play that's important. I really fell in love with that."

Dreaming of a cycling career

Riejanne: "I wasn't at all concerned with a cycling career when I was younger. My parents thought it was important that we played outside. At the club, it was all about having fun, nothing more. Of course, I wanted to improve myself, but I enjoyed being out with the whole group the most. But at some point, I started dreaming about it. To be as good as the top athletes at the time. But first, I had to focus on my studies." Riejanne graduated as a sports teacher before starting her full-time professional career in 2016.

What does sport bring you?

Cycling gives me a sense of freedom. I can go out and ride my bike in nature whenever I want. I also train abroad a lot with the team, and you get to see so many beautiful places. I also enjoy the challenge of constantly improving myself.

What are you most proud of?

"The victory in Norway in August 2021, of course. It was my first victory in a Women's WorldTour race. That was really cool," says Riejanne. "But I'm also very proud of the 2019 world championship title and the European title in the mixed relay (mixed team time trial). Taking home a jersey is super special."

What is your big dream?

Riejanne doesn't have to think long: "Winning the individual time trial at the Olympics. There's something magical about the Games. As an athlete, you want to experience that. Elite sport is incredibly hard work. You're away from home a lot, so you don't have much time for social contact. Luckily, I live with my boyfriend, right next to my family. Besides, the crashes and other injuries are also the downsides. But I try to enjoy the positive aspects as much as possible," Riejanne laughs.

Why are you an ambassador for our fund?

Riejanne: "I grew up in a safe environment with a family who always supported me. I've always had the opportunity to play sports. And I value that very much. All children should have the opportunity to play sports."

As an ambassador for the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture, I believe it's important to raise awareness of the fund. I want to show parents that there's a solution if you can't afford your children's sports club. And that you don't have to be ashamed to ask for help. My mission is to give more children access to sports. Through outdoor play, clubs, and primary education. Daily exercise should be the foundation for every child. I want everyone to have that.

Team Jumbo-Visma

Team Jumbo-Visma supports the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture. Together, we want to get as many children as possible involved in sports and introduced to cycling and skating. These sports aren't readily available to children from low-income families.