Tjarco Cuppens, the amateur World Champion in 2006 from the Netherlands, is on his way back to the World Cycling Tour-This time in Asia. Having raced for 20 years, the enthusiastic cyclist looks forward to racing into the beauty of Sri Lanka in the meantime getting to know more about the level of competitiveness of local riders.
“Cycling in Asia is big!” Tjarco, now with Lapierre Asia Cycling Team which has been winning stages, has raced in Asian UCI point races for as many as 20 times. He witnesses the growing popularity of cycling in this huge continent-more spectators, increased number of high-level races, all at fast pace.
Adding to the exciting cycling scene, He has good impression of riding in Asia, where the great scenery meets warm and sunny weather for most of the time of the year.
As many of the participants at Gran Fondo Challenge Sri Lanka are not as familiar with this type of race, Tjarco reminds that the riders enjoy the races and be safe, unnecessary risks should be avoided.
How about training? The former pro cyclist suggests that, if you race a lot, do more recovery. If there are not many races for you to move the legs, interval training is very important
As he greeted “See you all in Sri Lanka!”, let’s wish him great success in his 21st season of racing!
Quick facts about Tjarco
○ Born in 1976
○ Races in Track, Mountain bike, Cyclo-cross, Road
○ Raced professionally between 2007 – 2011, with continental teams of Luxemburg and Taiwan
○ 49 times on the podium
○ UCI World Cycling Tour experience:
2006 – 1st UCI World Championship Road Race Masters (30-34 yrs.) – St.Johann (Aut)
2009-4th UCI World Championship Road Race Masters (30-34 yrs.) – St.Johann (Aut)
○ Most current record: 1st Singapore National Championship Time Trial Elite – Changi (Sin) UCI 1.CN
More about Tjarco : http://www.tjarcocuppens.nl/
