The Netherlands dominated the European Cycling Championships in Slovenia this afternoon. After excellent lead-out work, Puck Pieterse managed to set up Demi Vollering perfectly. The world champion from Montreal successfully won the race with Pieterse capped claiming the silver medal. “A wonderful second-place finish for Puck, so we have every reason to be proud”– Vollering’s first words in her flash interview.
Before she began talking about her own outstanding performance, the Netherlands’ golden girl showed her gratitude to her teammates on the Dutch national team. But in a tribute you might have missed, the podium pair celebrated someone who wasn’t riding today.
Why did the duo tap their helmets? Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed the way in which both Vollering—in the final kilometre—and Pieterse— as she crossed the finish line —celebrated their victories. As can be seen in the footage below, both women pointed to the back of their helmets.
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A different meaning to Vollering’s previous head tapping celebrationIn the past, Vollering has pointed to her head to signify the strength needed to overcome negative self talk and mental health struggles. She has often advocated for her own mental strength with this celebration, but today it was for a different reason.
Both women had a photo of national team coach Laurens ten Dam—the man who managed to bring the Dutch women’s team back together as a unit.
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Laurens ten Dam has helped to bring the team closer
In the photo, we see Ten Dam on his yellow scooter, which he used to scout the course in Montreal (and was kicked off the course).
“Laurens has been in close contact with everyone, and he’s shared a lot of that with me,” team leader Vollering explained.
“Laurens has actually been keeping in close contact with everyone ever since he became national team coach. We’ve also had a team day and things like that,” Pieterse told us ahead of the World Championships.