Vietnam recently welcomed Dutch men Rick Keijzer and Sven Broekhuizen, who cycled from the Netherlands for 343 days, crossing multiple countries and overcoming numerous challenges, before finally reaching the Southeast Asian country and fulfilling their long-held dream.

The Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, in partnership with the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City, the Dutch Business Association Vietnam, and other partners and sponsors, organized a cycling event on Sunday morning to celebrate the arrival of Keijzer and Broekhuizen.

Keijzer, 21, and Broekhuizen, 25, embarked on their journey from the Netherlands in March 2024 with the goal of reaching Vietnam by bicycle. 

Over the past 11 months, they covered 20,000 kilometers, traversing various landscapes, from the modern cities of Europe and the vast steppes of Central Asia to the bustling roads of Southeast Asia.

Broekhuizen shared that they entered Vietnam through the Cambodian border, recalling the indescribable feeling of being just a few dozen kilometers away, realizing that after numerous challenges, their goal was finally within reach. 

He added that the journey would stay with him for the rest of his life.

For Keijzer, the arrival was even more memorable as he was reunited with his parents in Vietnam. 

They had flown in from the Netherlands the day before to see their son after nearly a year apart. 

Keijzer never expected them to come all the way to Vietnam for such a special occasion. 

He missed them so much and was truly happy to see them again.

Sunday morning’s event, which was also intended to promote green mobility and a healthy lifestyle, attracted around 400 amateur cyclists from both the Vietnamese and Dutch communities.

Starting at 7:00 am from the Municipal Theater, the journey passed iconic landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and Ba Son Bridge, with the final destination being the home of Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Daniel Stork in Thu Duc City.

Stork expressed his happiness at the success of the program, which he said would be his last as his term comes to an end. 

Though it is a pity, he hopes this legacy will continue. 

He emphasized the importance of bicycles as a green solution for environmental protection and reducing emissions, as well as an ideal means of last-mile transport, complementing the newly operational metro system in Ho Chi Minh City.

Stork also praised Keijzer and Broekhuizen for their timely arrival, inspiring others in Ho Chi Minh City to join the cycling movement for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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