Emotional return to Alpe d’Huez for Van Hooydonck, joined by Van Empel: "I didn’t have to think twice"

Alpe d'Huez is one of the most successful charity events in the Netherlands. Since its first edition in 2006, the organization has raised more than €226 million. Every year, on the first Thursday of June, this large-scale sporting event occurs on the iconic Alpe d'Huez in the French Alps. The funds raised go towards cancer research and improving the quality of life of people living with cancer.

And this year, Van Hooydonck is taking part for the first time. He has already raised more than €4,000. "I think it's great that many people want to support me. No one in my immediate family has been affected by the disease, but of course, it is so widespread that I didn't have to think twice about taking part," the Belgian told Het Nieuwsblad.

"We are here with a delegation from Visma | Lease a Bike, including members of the sports management team and cyclist Fem van Empel (who is taking a break from her career), at the invitation of Pon, one of the team's major partners," continues Van Hooydonck, who has been working in the commercial department of the Dutch cycling team for some time now.

The former professional cyclist is now in good health. He suffered a heart attack in the fall of 2023, after which top-level sport became impossible. Fortunately, the Belgian is allowed to continue exercising under supervision. "I know very well what I can and cannot do. I've been cycling day in, day out for years, so I know my body pretty well."

"I know exactly how fast I can cycle, and I keep my heart rate under control. I can't exceed my threshold, which is around 170 beats per minute," Van Hooydonck continues. "When I cycle now, my average heart rate is 130, which I think is more than fast enough. It's just a comfortable endurance zone. And that's fine with me."

But it took Van Hooydonck a while before he felt like getting back on his bike after his accident. “I've been cycling a lot lately, partly because I'm starting to enjoy it again. It was different for a while. At first, I didn't like it at all. ‘I'd rather play golf or go running,’ I thought, haha."

During the event, he will ride up a climb that he rode up with the Tour in 2022. It will certainly be an impressive experience. "It's mainly about having fun and for a good cause. It will be an emotional event for many people. Many participants have been ill or are still ill. So there will be a certain atmosphere, which will be quite impressive."