"I was or rather am a fanatical cyclist," says the Dutchman from West Frisia. At the age of 20, after successfully completing his MTS mechanical engineering studies, Sander Koomen started working in installation technology. In addition, sports, especially cycling and running, were his daily activities. Then came the stroke of fate: He fell at a bicycle race and injured his spinal cord so badly that he was left paraplegic.
In order to counter complications such as pressure sores, Sander got in contact with BerkelBike and learned that FES cycling could give him the opportunity to continue his passion in another form. He received a Berkelbike from the state, which he has been using privately since 2015. Around three times a week he trains for the CYBATHLON. "The CYBATHLON is an inspiration for me as well as a chance to exchange ideas and get to know new people and technologies. In my eyes our greatest strength is our team spirit and the support of the students.”