Coming from a cycling family, Hans has always enjoyed cycling. His uncle was a professional cyclist and Hans’ parents followed him all over the world to watch him compete. A rider himself, Hans was forced to call it quits at 23 years old due to a back injury. But things didn’t end there, Hans had the cycling bug, and went on in search of an alternative career in the industry.
His coaching career began after taking up a DS position in a junior men’s and U23 cycling team before working at the Dutch Cycling Federation. In 2014, he started working at Team DSM and is now in his eighth year with the team.
Hans spends most of his year working with Team DSM’s Women’s program following the WorldTour from start to finish.
“My focus is mostly on the women’s team but because we are fully integrated with the men’s team, in practice I also do men’s races.”
Timmermans’ favourite race is the Tour of Flanders, and he was the coach during Team DSM’s incredible victory there in 2017. To say he is passionate about cycling would be an understatement; on his days off you can still find him at races, proof of his love of the sport.
Always on the look-out for new approaches, Hans always wants to be one step ahead of the game.
“Standing still is going backwards. Some riders can’t believe how in line I am with the team’s philosophy, but it really is just my natural way of thinking.”
Away from the bike races and coaching, Hans also enjoys being at home watching films, going to cabaret and spending time with his partner: “She likes to shop, and I like to go for a nice lunch, so it’s always give and take.”
