The world of professional cycling has seen its fair share of incredible stories, but few can match the journey of Bas Tietema, Devin van der Wiel, and Josse Wester. These three friends, who not so long ago were making cycling videos, have now formed a professional team and are competing at the highest level. It’s a tale of passion, creativity, and perseverance that’s inspiring fans around the globe.
From YouTube to the World Stage
Bas Tietema, one of the trio, sat down with Daily Star to share their remarkable story. The young Dutchman had previously left professional cycling due to the demanding lifestyle it entailed. However, his love for the sport never wavered. One day, he traveled with Devin and Josse to the Tour de France to create a video where they handed out pizzas and drinks to the competing professionals. The content went viral, and that’s when their journey began to take shape.
This chance encounter sparked a chain of events that led to the formation of a UCI ProTeam, built on the foundation of creativity and strategic partnerships with sponsors. Recently, they received a wild card invitation to the Omloop classic in Belgium, where Lukas Kubis secured an impressive sixth place finish. This achievement marked the beginning of an exciting season, with the team set to participate in the Paris-Roubaix and the Amstel Gold.
As they navigate the world of professional cycling, Bas and his team are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “Starting out is tough, but we’re capable,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a top-30 ranking to remain in the circuit. Their ultimate goal is to compete in the Tour de France, a feat that will require dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck.
The team, affectionately known as the Rockets, has already made a name for itself in the cycling community. This unusual name, chosen by the friends, reflects their unique approach to the sport. Unlike most teams, which are named after their sponsors, the Rockets have managed to maintain their individuality while still attracting support from key partners. As they look to the future, they’ll be relying on wild card invitations to secure spots in upcoming races. With their talent, passion, and creative spirit, it’s likely we’ll be seeing more of the Rockets on the cycling scene in the months to come.
The Road Ahead
As the Rockets continue to make waves in the cycling world, their story serves as a reminder that with determination and creativity, anything is possible. From their humble beginnings as video creators to their current status as professional competitors, Bas, Devin, and Josse have proven that success is within reach when you’re doing something you love. With a packed schedule and a talented roster, the Rockets are poised to take the cycling world by storm. Will they achieve their dream of competing in the Tour de France? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – their journey will be an exciting one to watch.
Upcoming Races
- Paris-Roubaix
- Amstel Gold
With their sights set on the top, the Rockets are ready to take on the best of the best in the world of professional cycling. As they pedal their way through the season, fans around the globe will be cheering them on, inspired by their remarkable story and eager to see what the future holds for this talented team of friends.
