Maastricht University celebrates its anniversary with the '40 of Limburg' cycling tour

On Friday 22 April 2016 at the invitation of Maastricht University, 40 cyclists toured part of the '40 of Limburg' route with Hennie Kuiper as their road captain. The route was created by Piet Eichholtz, professor of real estate finance. The event was held as part of Maastricht University's 40th anniversary.

The '40 of Limburg’ is a 200 km cycling route that includes forty lesser-known hills and crosses through Limburg as well as Belgian Limburg and Germany. Professor Piet Eichholtz, who is a passionate tour cyclist alongside his role as professor, created the cycling route. 

Special guest Hennie Kuiper led the tour. Forty years ago he won his first ever stage in the Tour de France (from Le Touquet-Paris Plage to Bornem). Kuiper: "I love the Limburg hills. They've given me a lot as a professional cyclist: A great amount of enjoyment in my sport and of course also the necessary fame and renown. I'd say it's a fitting metaphor for Maastricht University's 40th anniversary."

The starting signal was given at around 13.00 by member of the Provincial Executive Ger Koopmans and chair of the UM Executive board Martin Paul. The participants, who were all wearing special jerseys, left from the recently reopened University Sports Centre for their tour across the hills of Limburg. Students and alumni from the student association Dutch Mountains and UM members of staff were joined by a colourful mix of UM contacts, elite athletes and prominent figures, including the AZM Cycling team, triathlete Heleen Zandstra, professional cyclist Kirsten Peetoom, former governor Leon Frissen, CTO DSM Marcel Wubbolts, dean of TIAS Business School Kees Koedijk, and professor Clemens van Blitterswijk. 

The participants concluded the day with a meal of pasta and a lecture by Henny Kuiper on the theme: dreaming, believing, acting, action!

'The 40 of Limburg' cycling route (200 km) is available for anyone interested at www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/cycling.

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