An Post Chain Reaction man Bas Tietma is a bit of a character and has plenty swirling around in his brain. The 21-year old has one big target in his mind for 2017 and that is to win the Espoir edition of Paris Roubaix. No pressure then...
By Brian Canty
An Post-ChainReaction’s team roster is very much a development one this year, with the emphasis on bringing in young riders and developing them over the next few years.
But one rider who reckons he will deliver is Dutchman Bas Tietma, who is perhaps a little further on in his development that most of the others in the team.
The rangy 21-year old has just started his tenure with the team and after some superb results in 2016 he’s eager to continue his progress.
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In the past he’s ridden for the BMC Development team and despite a number of eye-catching results he didn’t manage to make the step-up to the paid ranks.
He’s a powerful tester and last year he won the opening stage of the Tour of Berlin, a result that saw him wear the race leader’s yellow jersey for a day.
Away from the bike he has many wide-ranging interests including World War II documentaries, football, politics and age-old cycling events, particularly the era of Fausto Coppi and Gianni Bartali.
Bas Tietma is a very good rider well capable of securing some big wins for An Post-ChainReaction this year
12 things you should know about Bas Tietma
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Birthplace: Netherlands
If I was not a cyclist I would be: I always wanted to be a professional footballer but then I got a bad knee injury. I played on the youth team of the highest league club (Bakswolder). I was a striker, not the best player but scored the goals.
Favourite sporting idol: Muhammad Ali.
Event I’d pay most to see: Victoria’s Secrets Show
Favourite race to watch: Probably the U23 races if they were on TV. I can say the Tour but the Tour is…. put on the last five minutes and then you see the result.
Languages I speak: English, Dutch, German, understand some French.
Win I would most like: I want to win Roubaix but as an athlete I like the idea of the Olympics as well.
Motto: Find your own way. There are so many people with advice but you have to find yourself. All the people have knowledge but it’s never good enough. When you are perfect on the bike and you go somewhere you’ll be told move your saddle up or down and in a way that can drive you crazy. Just make your own decisions.
All-time favourite Dutch person?: Too many to name….
Goal for 2017: Paris Roubaix U23
People I admire: Last week I wrote an article about Coppi and Bartali and the story behind their relationship. Bartali was a hero because of how he risked his life saving the Jews with fake ID’s in the frame. I admire people who are more than cyclists.
Interests: Documentaries, World War II, I watch some stories about Edward Snowden and Julian Assange.
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