TNN Talks: Martijn Verschoor

07 September 2016

You might have known that Pro rider Martijn Verschoor was 5th overall at the 2015 Tour of Estonia and finished 5th on stage 1 of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California against the best riders in the world. But did you know that Martijn also has a sister who’s living with diabetes, likes to watch James Bond films and counts his parents as his biggest heroes?

Below, the Team Novo Nordisk veteran shares a few things you may not know this edition of TNN Talks.

Favorite food when traveling:

Coffee, croissants, fresh fruit and, of course, water.

Favorite food from your home country:

Because I am Dutch, I have to say pancakes, cheese, raisin bread and peanut butter (although I actually don’t like peanut butter). And we have many different kinds of breads.

I love the food from the local farms, like organic beef and chicken, and the eggs from my parents’ house and fresh forest fruit from the neighbors.

Favorite musician/band:

Most of the time I’m listening to several kinds of music, and I have many different playlists on Spotify- it all depends on the day.

I just don’t like heavy metal or gangster rap.

Do you use a pen or pump?

In the past I used a pump, and it worked well for me. But at the moment, I use a pen in combination with my CGM.

Anyone else in your family with diabetes?

Three years ago my older sister was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Cycling: 42nd Volta Algarve 2016 / Stage 5 VERSCHOOR Martijn (Ned) / Almodovar-Alto do Malhao (169Km)/ Etape Rit/ Algarve/ (c) Tim De Waele

Favorite movie:

My favorite types of movies are comedy, science fiction and action.

Some of my favorites are: the James Bond films, “Avatar”, “Ocean’s 11,12,13”, “Italian Job”, “The Hangover”, “White Chicks” and “American Pie”.

Last book you read:

“Inferno”, by Dan Brown.

Worst way someone has mispronounced your name:

In almost every country people fail to pronounce my name correctly.

I don’t get annoyed when people say it wrong, but it really is so funny.

Any pre-race rituals?

Checking my hair…

Favorite cyclist growing up:

Michael Boogerd– he gave Dutch cycling a big boost in the 90’s.

Also Bartoli, Frank Vandenbroucke, Ullrich and Oscar Freire.

Favorite race:

To race in: Milan-San Remo.

To watch: Paris-Roubaix.

Biggest hero in life:

My mom and dad. They’ve always supported me and never saw my diabetes as an insurmountable obstacle.

Now that I am grown up, I can understand how much stress they must have had when I was first diagnosed.

Favorite hobby off the bike:

Having a good time with my friends, family, and of course, with my girlfriend. Also exploring the world and enjoying the good moments in life.

Night owl or early riser:

I love listening to the birds in the early morning and smell the fresh air. But I also love to sleep in late.

I also like winter nights, when it’s cold, dark and cozy.

Favorite ice cream flavor:

White chocolate and vanilla

Favorite spot to get coffee:

Close to the beach or on the water.

Favorite place you’ve visited:

Some of my favorites are visiting a National Park in South Africa and California and Colorado in the summer.

I love the nature in places like Canada, but also the energy of the big cities.

I’m very thankful for Team Novo Nordisk (especially Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge) for the opportunity it has given me to race all over the world and to see so many great things.

Without them, living with diabetes and competing in sports wasn’t something that was common for the most people- but more like an obstacle. So I am proud to ride for Team Novo Nordisk.
TNN Talks: Martijn Verschoor | Team Novo Nordisk