24
Jan

Laurine van Riessen joins Matrix Pro Cycling

FOLLOWING her spectacular Summer Olympic debut, Dutch sprint ace Laurine van Riessen has joined Matrix Pro Cycling.

Laurine, 29, has switched her full focus to track cycling after leaving behind a hugely successful career as a speed skater, which saw her take bronze at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

She joins a line-up of highly decorated track cyclists in Matrix Pro Cycling including Olympic gold medalists Laura Kenny and Elinor Barker, as well as Paralympic gold medalists Lora Turnham and Corrine Hall.

As a member of the team, Laurine will become an ambassador for Matrix Fitness in the Benelux countries of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Laurine said: “Together with Matrix Fitness Benelux and Matrix Pro Cycling, I will get the support I need to achieve my goals as a track cyclist.

“I have previously worked with Matrix Fitness during my skating career, both in Team Activia and Lotto Jumbo. During our conversations, it soon became clear that my vision matches their team philosophy. Not only do they [Matrix] want to create more opportunities for women’s cycling, but they also value highly sportsmanship and health. They have a clear story and my goal to participate in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo was received with great enthusiasm. I’m very proud to be cycling under the flag of Matrix Pro Cycling from now on.’’

Commercial Director for Matrix Fitness Benelux, Arjan van Dijk, has followed Van Riessen over the last couple of years: “We had close contact with her because of our sponsorship with the women’s ice skating team. From day one of our cooperation, we have been a big fan of her explosiveness, strength and perseverance. We’re proud to be connected again and getting the chance to support her through her upcoming preparations for the Olympics.”

Stefan Wyman, Manager of Matrix Pro Cycling, said, “We are delighted to have Laurine as part of the team. She was launched to fame during the Rio games, when millions of people worldwide, including myself, watched her escape a crash by ‘riding the wall’.

“She is as impressive off the bike as she is on it, and we hope to assist Laurine in creating the optimum pathway to Tokyo 2020. She will be our first track sprinter in our seven-year history, and it’s very exciting for everyone connected with the team to welcome her onboard.”