In Rhythm of the Road, we follow the Airoman.cc riders in their road races. From classic one-day races and local circuits to tough stage races and exciting competitions. We take you through the packed peloton and the dynamics of the road season. This kickoff focuses on Steyn van der Veen. He currently leads the rankings in the Club Competition and has secured a coveted internship contract with Development Team Picnic-PostNL. In this interview, we look back on his season so far, see how he handles the pressure, and hear what he hopes to learn during his internship at the continental level.
From motocross to cycling peloton
Before we zoom in on his results, let's take a step back in time. Five years ago, Steyn first got on a racing bike, whether or not it was out of necessity. "I always used to race motocross, but that wasn't possible because the tracks were closed due to COVID. So, I started cycling with some friends at RTV De Zwaluwen in Doetinchem. That went surprisingly well. As a junior, I was allowed to go to the big races, and before I knew it, I was on the Sensa–Kanjers voor Kanjers Cycling Team. From then on, it was mainly a matter of developing and getting stronger." That strengthening was successful, because four years later, Steyn is at the top of the Club Competition standings. Did he do anything differently before this? "No. I think it's mainly a matter of the years. Sensa–Kanjers voor Kanjers is truly a development team with a development mindset. Whether you progress quickly or need a bit longer, there's room to develop."
Leading position in the club competition
At the end of last season, Steyn already felt he'd made progress. "Back then, I could sometimes compete with riders at Conti level. I also felt the difference during the training weeks in Spain this winter." He therefore started this season with ambition, but first had to assert this right. "Within our team, there isn't just one leader. So I had to ride a strong first half of the season." An impressive second place in the Zuiderzeeronde gave him the opportunity to compete for the Club Competition classification. "Results determine your future, especially at this level. It's not a given that teammates will do the work for you." He therefore sees that sacrifice as something special: "In the World Tour, riders are paid to be domestiques. In our team, it's truly out of conviction. So you sacrifice your own results for someone else. I really appreciate that."
Internship at Picnic–PostNL
Steyn's leadership in the Club Competition earned him an internship with the Picknick-PostNL Development Team. "I'm really looking forward to racing at a higher level and seeing where I stand."
His expectations are realistic and ambitious: “I hope to compete in a lot of races. They have a busy schedule, so I think that's fine. Besides that, I just want to do as well as possible. Who knows, it might lead to a contract. But that's not a given. There are many roads that lead to Rome. But I've got one foot in the door now—and I want to make the most of it.”
From fabric socks to aero lines
Of course, we're talking to Steyn for a reason—like the rest of his team, he rides around in clothing from Airoman.cc . "Aerodynamic products are conquering the market. When I started, we still rode with fabric racing socks—that's unthinkable now." Because Airoman.cc is based in Nijmegen, he was already familiar with the brand. "It's affordable, and we saw it more and more often here in the region." What appeals to him most is the performance-focused mindset: "They really tailored products to our needs. Logos, lines, details—everything is perfect."
Even in his leader's jersey, the aero design remained consistent. "I rode with the Airo 'Evo' Aero Baselayer to maintain aerodynamics, even if your jersey doesn't have these inherent properties." He also always has the new Airo 'Evo' Aero Socks and Airo Aero Short Cycling Gloves in his kit. "They fit well and are comfortable; they can really compete with the big brands."
Looking ahead to the rest of the season
With his internship under his belt and the leader's jersey on his shoulders, Steyn is at a new point in his young cycling career. "I still want to go all out for the final classification of the Club Competition. But if my teammates are in a winning position, I'll put in the work. That's part of it."
Follow Steyn (and other Airoman.cc riders) closely on Instagram @airomancyclingclub or read more on Airoman.cc in the next edition of Rhythm of the Road .