Wim Stroetinga
A durable and powerful Dutch track specialist who became a cornerstone of his team's success in grueling six-day races.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Dutch cyclist·Birthday: May 23·Millennials
Biography
Wim Stroetinga was the engine room of the track cycling world, a rider built for endurance and speed in equal measure. Hailing from the northern cycling heartland of the Netherlands, he specialized in the madison and team pursuit, disciplines demanding seamless teamwork and raw power. His professional career, primarily with the Continental team Koga Cycling, was dedicated to the brutal, spectator-friendly six-day races held in velodromes across Europe. Stroetinga wasn't often the solo star; his value lay in his relentless pacing, tactical intelligence, and ability to set up his sprinting partners for victory. This made him a sought-after component for successful teams, contributing to multiple six-day race wins. His consistency and longevity in this niche, physically demanding format marked him as one of the most reliable track men of his generation.
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.
Wim was born in 1985, 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 Wim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Wim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won multiple six-day track cycling events, including Rotterdam and Amsterdam, with various partners.
- Competed professionally for over a decade, primarily focusing on the European track cycling circuit.
- Represented the Netherlands in international track competitions, including World Championships.
Did You Know?
His twin brother, Arjan Stroetinga, is a champion marathon speed skater.
He famously competed in the Six Days of Rotterdam event numerous times, a classic on the calendar.
Despite being a track specialist, he also competed in some road races early in his career.
“In the madison, you are nothing without your partner.”
