The Bike Transalp 2020 still seems far away, but now is the time to form ambitious teams. The MAXXIS Velomotion team with Lennard Heidenreich and Jan-Frederik Finoulst will also be there. While some Velomotion readers already know our Lennard from past Transalp events, the name Jan-Frederik Finoulst might be new to some - especially since the two are forming an international Velomotion team for the first time this year. We interviewed our new duo and are already looking forward to this year's Bike Transalp.

Hello Jan-Frederik, please briefly introduce yourself to our readers. Where are you from, how old are you, what is your job, how long have you been cycling and what other hobbies do you have?
Jan: I'm from Belgium and I'm 27 years old. I am currently working as a project manager for the consulting firm TMC. My current project is at a research institute for semiconductors (e.g. Intel chips) where I manage projects focused on error checking. I've been cycling since I was 16. I started with local touring but over time this hobby has expanded to include competitive cycling and mountain biking. Granted, it's a hobby out of control. I am also interested in the stock market and the financial world.
This year you will be at the start of the Bike Transalp with our editor Lennard as Team MAXXIS Velomotion. How did that happen?
Jan: The mountain bike world is ultimately a small world. As a result, I met Lennard often during and after the mountain bike races. In the race we often ride in the same groups and we seem to get along well outside of the race. These are two crucial aspects of an ideal team partnership. I didn't have to think twice when Lennard asked me the question. In addition, this year we both have the privilege of having “Maxxis tires” on our side, they are the main sponsor of the Bike Transalp. This makes it an ideal opportunity to put "MAXXIS" in the picture.

Lennard, you must have had something in mind when you asked Jan-Frederik. Why did you ask him of all people?
Lennard: The decision to ask Jan-Frederik came entirely from the gut. I knew that Mathias (Bike Transalp team partner 2017&2019) wouldn't have time to go to the Transalp with me this year and actually it was reasonably clear that I'd skip it too. But then one thing led to another. This year's route is incredibly attractive with stage locations such as Livigno and Molveno. The first performance diagnostics were promising and in general the Bike Transalp is always worth considering. So I threw my plans overboard and started making new ones. It is important to me to have a reliable and strong team partner with whom I get along well. My feeling just told me that things would fit between us, so I asked Jan-Frederik.
The question for Jan-Frederik: Is this your first Bike Transalp and have you already ridden other stage races?
Jan: This Transalp will be my third. I already have a lot of stage racing experience and try to ride a few every year. In the spring I prefer stage races in southern Europe, such as Spain, and in the summer in the Alps, such as the Transalp. This year I am also looking forward to the “Cape Pioneer”. A stage race in South Africa will be another highlight of this season.

Tell me, what are your strengths and weaknesses individually and as a team?
Lennard: Both Jan-Frederik and I are now very experienced when it comes to long marathons and stage races. Our strengths - weaknesses are very similar, if I judge correctly. Consistently high intensities on the flat and on long mountains are our thing. If it gets very steep, uphill or downhill, we will have to be careful not to lose contact with other teams. We are both relatively tall riders and this year the Transalp will often take us to mountains over 2000 meters high, so we will have to be careful not to run out of air 😉
In order to successfully ride a Bike Transalp, you have to work well as a team. You two only know each other from racing. Do you think this can be a problem?
Jan: Communication is crucial. The right feeling for the partner is important. We both have the necessary experience with team races. I also know what it means to be both the stronger and the weaker driver. The stronger rider has to work harder so the other can save more energy, the ultimate goal is for both of them to reach the finish line as fast as possible. Even if something goes wrong, it is also important to be able to let go in order to be able to start the next stage with a clear head

Finally, of course, we want to know from you both what goal you have set yourself?
Jan: First of all, the goal is to stay healthy for a whole week and not have a mechanical breakdown. If we can do that, we usually end up pretty far ahead. Everything is going perfectly, maybe even in the top 10. Beyond that, the Transalp remains an adventure. I look forward to the unforgettable moments that we will experience.
Lennard: I've always dreamed of a top 10 result. If that works, we'll really pop the corks in Riva. But for that, everything has to run like clockwork. Don't forget that we are not professionals. The result is not secondary for us, but at most equal to all the fun you can have with mountain biking. I'm really looking forward to a great week on the bike with lots of trails and pizza and ice cream at Lake Garda.

Thank you for the interview. We look forward to accompanying you on your way to the Bike Transalp!