VWRDAM X IRIS CUSTOM

Design

In 1999, two women; Nelly Voogt and Cora Westland started “Vrouwenwielrennen.nl” to give amateur women an opportunity to train together and improve their own individual performance. More than two decades later, there are many local, independent organisations across the Netherlands pursuing the same goal as Nelly & Cora to grow women’s participation in cycling and motivate them to pursue personal cycling goals.

IRIS has partnered with one of these groups of women; the Women’s Cycling Rotterdam (VWRDAM) to provide them with a bespoke design for the community’s cycling apparel, uniting them together as they ride. The VWRDAM cycling kit was designed by IRIS founder, Iris Slappendel.

VWRDAM, founded 6 years ago in Rotterdam, offers the local community different training and racing opportunities from recreational to club competitions.

“VWRDAM was the perfect fit to create the first IRIS custom club design. Not only is Rotterdam my hometown, but the VWRDAM mission also aligns with the IRIS mission in which we envisage a world in which every woman can access and enjoy cycling, void of societal scrutiny and judgement. I want IRIS – I Ride In Style cycling apparel to be the catalyst that empowers women to feel colourful confidence on the bike so that they can express their individuality and have fun with every ride”

Iris Slappendel, founder IRIS

The VWRDAM cycling kit is a colourful ode to women’s cycling in Rotterdam, with the iconic symbols of the city and surrounding landscape, such as; the Rotte, Erasmus Bridge and the Maeslantkering, places that VWRDAM cycles past every week.

Let’s meet some of the riders from VWRDAM!

“I have been riding with VWRDAM for about 3 years now, and I also love adventures in the forest, triathlon competitions and commuting on my hybrid bike. If I can go by bike, then I do!”

Ilona. Started mountain biking after many gymnastic related ankle injuries.

“I’ve only been riding with VWRDAM for a year and wish I had done it sooner! As a ride leader I think it is important that everyone can belong. My motto is “Out together, at home together”.

Laurane. Started cycling in 2013 after stopping rowing and needing to find a new endurance sport.