Jumbo-Visma revealed through Instagram some images of the closing party held at the Dutch amusement park Efteling in Kaatsheuvel. The occasion was marked by several reasons for celebration, especially after the team secured victories in all three Grand Tours of 2023.
During the event, Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour winner, delivered an emotional speech, while his teammates Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, and Christophe Laporte (all sporting distinctive mustaches) listened attentively.
However, the most touching scene was undoubtedly the warm embrace between best friends Wout van Aert and Nathan Van Hooydonck. Van Aert expressed his gratitude and gifted Van Hooydonck with a signed jersey.
As mentioned, in September, Van Hooydonck was forced to end his cycling career due to cardiac issues. An abrupt end for Van Hooydonck, who recently revealed on the De Rode Lantaarn podcast that he wanted to stay active in the cycling world.
“I want to broaden my horizon a bit. I don’t see myself immediately working as a team manager, but I would like to remain active in cycling. I want to do things that interest me and make me happy and for which I don’t have to stay away from home for so long,” said the now-former cyclist, aged 28.
During the event, the cyclists were gifted luxury watches from the Tissot brand.
