Maikel Zijlaard is a young Dutch cyclist from the US team Hagens Berman Axeon. He notably won the junior Tour of Flanders. I had the chance to chat with him about his career, her goals. Here is his interview (translated from English) :
Cycling Times : can you briefly introduce yourself?
Maikel ZIJLAARD: Hey, je suis maikel ZIJLAARD, 19 years old and runner for Hagens Berman Axeon.
CT: When did you start cycling and why?
MZ: I started cycling because we already did it in the family, which made it easier to start riding. I think it was when I was around 7/8 years
CT: When did you have your first interesting results??
MZ: when I was in 2nd year Junior, the first race of the year for me, and after this race, things got better and better
CT: What race was it?
MZ: it was in Belgium, a course called Zepperen Zepperen. And then of course the Tour of Flanders. It was crazy haha!
CT: of course ! What kind of feeling was it to win such a renowned race?
MZ: the feeling of glory, super iron
CT: So do you think you are more of a classics runner or can you be strong in another type of races?
MZ: I think the classics are a good thing for me, but I'm still waiting to discover what's really for me. Time will tell us
CT: What are your plans for next season?
MZ: do the best I can for myself and for the team of course, but at training camp we will discuss this and then I will know where the emphasis will be next year
CT: what race do you dream of winning?? And the runner who inspires you?
MZ: Paris Roubaix, Cancellara.
CT: logical choice I think, for a winner of the Tour of Flanders Junior. How do you imagine your season?? How do you prepare for your goals, like specific training camps ?
MZ: I don't really prepare any differently compared to my normal training weeks. It's just a little more focused. I hope it will be good haha!
CT: Yes of course, I hope too! How can you describe the team atmosphere?, the staff ? Do you think this is the best place for you to continue your progress??
MZ: it's like a family. The atmosphere is super good and I like being with everyone. I'm sure it's a very good place to grow up and at this age to still have a lot of fun too.
CT: Seems like a really great team… How did they contact you to be part of the team?
MZ: they contacted me on my phone to ask if they could come to my house.
CT: what were you thinking at the moment? Did you think it was one step closer to reaching the professional world??
MZ: Ah of course, I said yes haha, I mean the team was already really good.
CT: you also did some track racing, do you want to do it again or rather focus on the road?
MZ: Yes I'm going to do some track racing again
CT: and just one more question if you have time: what is your motto, if you have one?
MZ: I don’t have a motto haha
