OPQS Fan Day: Making Fans a Part of the Team

OPQS Fan Day: Making Fans a Part of the Team

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team decided team presentations are no longer just for the media and sponsors. This year, they added a fan presentation: the Omega Pharma- Quick-Step Cycling Team "Fan Day" on June 2 in Sint-Eloois-Winkel.

Approximately 700 people attended Fan Day. Fans, young and old, got the chance to meet ten riders: Niki Terpstra, Iljo Keisse, Kristof Vandewalle, Andrew Fenn, Matthew Brammeier, Julien Vermote, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck, Serge Pauwels, Zdenek Stybar, and Nikolas Maes. Fans also got to experience what goes on behind the scenes, and also met with team sponsors after 25km and 80km fully supported rides.

The day began with a breakfast, but plenty was going on before and after the fans ate. The fans were able to check out the team bus, as well as watch the mechanics work on the team bikes. After that, the riders joined the fans for their rides. Team CEO Patrick Lefevere rode on the 80km route, and the riders were also guided by Sports Directors Wilfried Peeters and Rik van Slycke. The rides were supported by the Omega Pharma - Quick Step Cycling Team cars.

"You can just imagine it," Marketing Manager Geert Broekhuizen said. "They did what they always see on TV. They rode like a rider on the team, side by side with our riders and were even followed by team cars and our staff."

After the rides, there was a barbecue, as well as a meet and greet. Fans collected autographs, and tried to win prizes by taking a quiz. Sponsor tents were set up so fans could buy team gear, get massages, and meet the companies that support the team. The event was also not just for adults: Face painting, balloons, and even a clown was available for the children who came to Fan Day.

"We want to thank our fans for supporting us, not just online, but also in person," Broekhuizen said. "This was a way for us to really engage with our fans on a more personal level, and give them the actual experience of being a part of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team."