Michel Kreder
A durable and versatile Dutch cyclist who carved out a long career as a loyal domestique and a cunning sprinter in the chaotic finishes of one-day classics.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Dutch road cyclist·Birthday: August 15·Millennials
Biography
Michel Kreder's professional cycling career was a testament to resilience and tactical intelligence. Hailing from a cycling family—his brother Raymond also raced professionally—Michel turned pro in 2008 and quickly established himself as a reliable workhorse. He spent the majority of his career with the Dutch ProContinental team Roompot, becoming a cornerstone of their squad. Kreder was not a superstar for the high mountains or grand tours; his domain was the gritty, windswept one-day races of Northern Europe. He possessed a sharp sprint from a reduced group, a skill that netted him several professional victories, including a stage at the Tour de l'Ain. More often, his role was one of selfless sacrifice, shepherding team leaders through the crosswinds and cobbles of races like the Amstel Gold Race and Paris-Tours. His consistency and team-first attitude earned him a remarkably stable 12-year career at the professional level, a rarity in the volatile world of cycling. After his retirement in 2019, he transitioned into a directeur sportif role, using his vast experience to guide the next generation of riders.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Michel was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Michel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Michel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won Stage 2 of the Tour de l'Ain in 2011, outsprinting a select group of riders.
- Achieved multiple top-10 finishes in prestigious one-day races like the Amstel Gold Race and Paris-Tours.
- Secured the overall victory in the 2012 Kreiz Breizh Elites, a French stage race.
- Completed nine editions of the Amstel Gold Race, highlighting his consistency and familiarity with the brutal course.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Raymond Kreder, was also a professional cyclist, and they were teammates on the Garmin-Sharp and Roompot teams.
He was known for his aggressive racing style and willingness to get into early breakaways.
Kreder studied mechanical engineering before focusing fully on his cycling career.
After retiring, he became a directeur sportif for the Dutch development team Metec-TKH.
“You don't win a race by being the strongest, but by being the smartest.”
