'Unique Cycling Experience' - what it's like to spend a day with Team Visma | Lease a Bike
When you think of being up close and personal with professional cycling, most imagine standing on the side of the road, cheering as the peloton whizzes by. But the Team Visma | Lease a Bike experiences take watching bike racing to a whole new level. These experiences aren’t just a day spent watching a race; they are a full immersion into the world of professional cycling. We sent one of our Product Manager’s, Ian Clarke, down to experience what it’s like to spend a day as part of a World Tour team.
The TVL Experience is not your typical race day outing. It’s a behind-the-scenes pass that grants you access to areas typically reserved for team staff and riders. From the moment I stepped into the TVL minibus, it was clear that this day would be different. My VIP pass and goody bag were just the start. The experience began at the team hotel, where I witnessed the meticulous preparations that go in to a race day. Mechanics were busy checking and re-checking the bikes, ensuring everything was in top condition. The Director Sportif briefed us on the team’s strategy for the day, providing insights that only those within the team usually hear. After the briefing, we joined the team convoy heading to the start area. This in itself was exhilarating, as we manoeuvred through road closures and crowds, feeling very much a part of the team and seeing a race day from a completely different perspective.
Starting with a casual coffee and croissants meet-up and ending with a celebratory drink back at the start point, we moved from the start area to various points along the race route throughout the day, witnessing the race unfold from multiple vantage points. Lunch was served on the go as we watched the race from the comfort of our van, complete with live TV coverage. This allowed us to stay up to date with the race dynamics even when we weren’t roadside. The day culminated at the finish area, where we saw the riders return, weary but focused, as the team staff began their post-race routines.
The highlights began at the very beginning of the day, when at the start area, the exclusive access reached another level. We were allowed into the cordoned-off area surrounding the team bus, mingling with staff and watching as the riders prepared for the day ahead. The public looked on, some asking us questions as if we were part of the staff — it was surreal and made the experience feel all the more exclusive. That was just one of the many extraordinary moments during a day that was a whirlwind of activity.
The most unique experience was undoubtedly the bottle distribution — a moment that will stick with me for a long time. It’s not just about standing on the side of the road; you’re in the thick of the action, so close that you can see the strain on the riders’ faces as they race by. It was nerve-wracking and exhilarating at the same time, especially when a rider signalled for a bottle and I had to act quickly to get it to him without missing a beat.
The entire Team Visma | Lease a Bike experience is perfect for any level of cycling fan, from the casual observer to the die-hard enthusiast. As a serious cycling fan myself, I found the insights from the ex-pro hosts invaluable. The ability to ask questions and get real-time answers from those who’ve lived the pro cycling life was a highlight. For the less fanatical, it offers a VIP experience that’s hard to beat, combining exclusivity with a hands-on approach that you don’t get in standard hospitality packages.
Handing out water bottles during a race is an adrenaline-fueled task. It’s one thing to be instructed on how to do it, but it’s entirely different when you’re actually out there, bottle in hand, waiting for the peloton to arrive. The tension is palpable as you wait for the right moment, hoping you don’t mess it up. When a rider takes the bottle from you, the rush of excitement is unlike anything else.
Without a doubt, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The opportunity to be part of a World Tour team for a day, to see a race from the inside, and to interact with the team in such an intimate way is something every cycling fan should experience at least once. Whether it’s the thrill of being on the race route or the behind-the-scenes access, this day was something special. The level of access and the unique perspective this experience provides is worth every penny. You’re not just watching a race; you’re part of it, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.While the Renewi Tour provided an excellent setting for this experience, races like the Tour of Flanders, Paris Roubaix, and the Amstel Gold Race would be equally, if not more, suited. These races offer more opportunities for live viewing and the chance to see the team buses, riders and races in all their exciting glory.
The Team Visma | Lease a Bike experience is something I’ll never forget and highly recommend to any cycling fan looking to get as close to the action as possible. It truly is a unique cycling experience for anybody who takes part.
If you are interested in having a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Pro Cycling Team, check out our Team Visma | Lease a Bike Experience packages below…
![James Morrissey and Denise Yarrow of Sportive Breaks riding in the Mallroca 312 [Credit: Sportograf.com]](https://eehfhddnkc3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jim-and-Den-edited-1.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&fit=300%2C187&ssl=1)
