Riding to the top together

There is no team building like training to cycle up a 1912-m mountain. "We all motivate each other and build towards that moment together. We each have a personal purpose. Last year I had back surgery and wasn't sure I could make it. I was so happy after eight months to see that I reached the top." Her personal commitment drove her, but she admitted there is nothing like getting to the top together. "It's pure emotion. The person by your side is very important to you. You create a bond. You hear your name through the microphone as you cross the finish line and other colleagues cheer you when you get there. But crossing the line is amazing, because we do it together. We share the moment as a team. We are all colleagues on bikes, equals no matter what our origin, age, type of job - it's who you are and not what you do."

Cycling and training for an event like this gives you a mental boost, too. "It's not just because you are ready physically that you can reach the top. It's also about training mentally not to give up together with your colleagues. So far, except for technical difficulties, we've all succeeded."

Aside from all the training, there are also many memories. "When I reached the top last year after my two back surgeries, it was very special. Getting there with my colleagues Pascale and Elsje made it even better. They supported me on the way up and we heard our names together when we crossed the finish line. We had a funny experience, too. We took a wrong turn going down. Of course, after all that climbing you don't want to go back. Luckily a car passed by to pick us up. The driver was Marc Wouters, who participated in the Tour de France. That's something we will surely never forget."