Career after career: Nathan Van Hooydonck ready for a new role as hospitality employee during races at Visma | Lease a Bike from next year

Nathan Van Hooydonck was forced to stop racing last year, but by no means has the Belgian rider abandoned the world of cycling. Besides becoming a regular guest as expert during TV broadcasts, he also slowly learnt the ins and outs of the work of commercial team at Visma | Lease a Bike. Van Hooydonck couldn't imagine back then he'd take up a role like this with the Dutch team but now, a year older, he feels up for the task.

Throughout the last cycling season, Van Hooydonck was often present at races in a new role, guiding VIP guests to provide them with an unforgettable experience in the riders' footsteps. From Omloop Het Nieuwsblad to the Tour de France. "Guiding the hospitality guests during the races played a big role in my processing," says Van Hooydonck. "In the months after the accident, I found it difficult to accept that I was no longer a rider. Being present at the races frequently helped me tremendously."

After a season in hospitality, Van Hooydonck is ready for a new step as an employee of the commercial department. "I am someone who wants to keep challenging myself in the business field," says Van Hooydonck. "A job in the commercial team of Team Visma | Lease a Bike is the ideal step in my development. Last November, Richard Plugge and commercial director Sander Kruis already proposed it to me, but I wasn't ready yet."

"After the last Tour de France, we talked about it again. Then we set up a plan where I got the chance to get to know the commercial department and its way of working, from partnerships and merchandise to communication. My interests are broad, so I want to wait a bit before deciding what suits me best. After that, we can decide what role I will take on precisely. But I love engaging with existing and new partners. We, as a team, have a great story, and I love creating value for our partners through our team. I enjoy personal contact, so I like visiting potential new partners."

Finally, Van Hooydonck emphasizes his gratitude to the team. "I feel a strong bond with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. I feel safe here. If you perform well as a rider, you are always valuable to a team, and they will do everything to keep you. Once you stop, those abilities are gone. That is why I am grateful to the team, and especially Richard and Sander, that they also see the value in me as a person. They look beyond just the rider Nathan van Hooydonck, and that is special."