Alpe d’HuZes – Join the fight for the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF)
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
In 2026, on June 4 to be precise, I—together with an entire team—will push ourselves physically in the fight against cancer. We will attempt to conquer Alpe d’Huez six times.
Why am I taking part in Alpe d’HuZes once again?
I can imagine what it will be like—how difficult it will be for me personally to take part in the 2026 edition of Alpe d’HuZes. It will be the first edition without my dear Gekkie, Knapzak, Snoezepoes. The 2023 edition is incredibly precious to me. Since March of that year, we felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath our feet. The status: palliative.
I can’t put it into words. Or rather, I mean that any words would fall short. The strength of my wife Kelly is so indescribably admirable.
The intention was for us to take part together, healthy, in 2023. That was not meant to be, and yet she wanted—at all costs—to commit herself to the cause. Giving up was not an option. Not even in the palliative phase.
With a chemotherapy treatment actively coursing through her body, she managed to cycle from the Dutch Corner (Bocht 7) to the top together with me. We had devised a setup that allowed me to partially tow her with a cable. But believe me, she pedaled every single meter uphill herself—with incredible strength and determination.
Indescribably proud—and for me it is an incredibly dear and precious moment to have been able to cross the finish line together with her, our middle fingers raised in the air.
Since then, I haven’t been able to take part for two years. However, during those two editions I still felt very closely involved with the event and deeply connected to the mountain. So, as they say, “The Mountain is Calling.”
This year, I will once again fully dedicate myself to KWF. I will climb those six times with the strength of my wife in my legs. The way she pushed herself to the absolute limit for the sake of more research is an inspiration to me—and to many around us.
Kelly to the top.
I won’t get any closer to heaven than that.
Would you like to support me? If so, we would be deeply grateful.
