“I am so used to riding in groups with friends, doing some epic rides,” he says. “But that doesn’t really work at the moment. Going out with friends, exploring new grounds, having a coffee!
Competition is a different game, but for us normal human beings the social aspect is what really matters.” For now, it’s out of the question. Still, Nas-Raddine is keeping in a good mood, working hard, mountain biking close to home, and going for three- or four-hour rides on the road. His girlfriend keeps him motivated. She works in home care, looking after elderly patients on the Dutch side of the border. “She is an inspiration in terms of keeping positive,” he says. “She isn’t afraid. She is doing the best she can for her team. That’s something I admire. I admire everyone who is doing their best to keep society going, to keep the economy going, to adapt themselves to the new situation. All the new initiatives that are going on now, people changing their business models. Standing still is not bringing any good for the future.”
Rest assured; Nas-Raddine won’t be standing still when this is all over. As a matter of fact, he’s looking forward to an epic ride that he had planned with his friends, but had to postpone. It will be a homage to the spring classics, combing five of them, with a start in Maastricht and finish on the velodrome in Roubaix.