Paracyclist Xian Aanstoot is the new “Groene Appel” of Reggeborgh Foundation
Paracyclist Xian Aanstoot (19) will be supported by Reggeborgh Foundation in the coming year. The cyclist from Holten is delighted to have been accepted into the Green Apples programme. ‘I am grateful for the support; it means a lot to me.’
Xian Aanstoot competes in the C5 class, which is the class for riders with the least disability. He lives with OPBL, a disability he acquired at birth. ‘Nerves were damaged at the time, which means that my left arm only functions at 60% of the capacity of my right arm.’
As a child, Xian played football, but after a number of serious knee injuries, he decided to take up road cycling. ‘I usually cycled the same route and noticed that I was getting faster and faster. Yes, I've always been competitive,’ laughs the cyclist, who then joined the Holten cycling club.
When he saw a call for the Talenten Paracycling Team on Instagram, he decided to respond. Aanstoot now trains with the KNWU team in Papendal. ‘I used my first year last year to gain experience. Now I want to start achieving results.’ First of all at the NK Paracycling Road, which will be held on 29 May in Buchten, Limburg. ‘Last year I came fourth, now I'm going for a medal.’
Reggeborgh Foundation is committed to supporting talented athletes and para-athletes. Thanks to the Foundation's support, athletes can develop further and get that extra boost to realise their ambitions. This also applies to Xian Aanstoot. Inge Wessels of Reggeborgh Foundation: ‘The fact that Xian, at the age of nineteen, is already competing with the best in the Netherlands as one of the youngest participants is, of course, very impressive. Making so much progress in such a short time shows how talented he is. We are curious to see the steps he will take next and, as fellow residents, we are naturally proud to support him.’
‘I now have a new Specialized racing bike at my disposal that is completely tailored to me. It rides really well.’
- Xian Aanstoot
Thanks to the support of Reggeborgh Foundation, Aanstoot has been able to upgrade his equipment. ‘I now have a new Specialized racing bike at my disposal that is completely tailored to me. It rides really well,’ says the talented rider, who has a clear goal in mind. ‘Making it to the Paralympic Games is my dream. Los Angeles in 2028 is the goal, but the 2032 Games might be a little more realistic.’