Team LottoNL-Jumbo welcomes some new riders for 2015 who we’d like our fans to get to know. Today we’ll introduce you to Tom Van Asbroeck.

Born: April 19, 1990
Nationality: Belgian

How did your career begin?
“As a kid, I did all kinds of sports. I started playing football as a Duivelke, as they call football for young kids in Belgium. After five years of football, I opted for running and gymnastics. I only started cycling at the age of 17. In the beginning, I wasn’t able to follow. When the leading riders headed into the first corner, I hadn’t even clicked my shoes into the pedals. Suffering was all I did, but I liked it. As a second year junior, I won my first races. It ended up with five victories. The first was a criterium, which was unexpected. I was surprised. I was thinking, ‘Shit, I’m winning!’”

Is there something we don’t already know about you?

Tom is a real dare devil. Check this out. "I used to do tumbling as a kid. That’s a sport where you perform all kinds of strokes, back flips, flips and screws on a stretched trampoline. I don’t think it’s smart anymore to do those kind of tricks! I also liked motocross. I used to ride for fun. I wanted to race competitively, but my mom didn’t agree. She didn’t think it was safe. Fortunately, she found cycling safe enough.”

How are your ice-skating skills?
“I've tried many sports, but ice-skating isn’t one of them. I once stood on the ice when we were on a school trip, but that’s about it. I have to try again. I’m definitely going to watch our colleagues.”

What is your lucky charm?

“My girlfriend is! Her name is Dorien. I met her in school, and we have been together for six years now. We became parents for the first time in December. My kid is my second lottery ticket!”

What does your shopping basket normally contain?
“Recently we leave the supermarket with a lot of diapers and baby items. Dorien and I usually go shopping together. Sometimes, I cook, most of the time spaghetti. Of course, I work with fresh ingredients.”