When 41‑year‑old Amsterdam rider Koen Polder rolled onto the boards for the Netherlands Masters Points Race Championships, he knew he wasn’t the favourite. He was the oldest rider in the field, had raced sparingly over the past year, and was lining up against competitors with sharper race calendars. But Koen also knew something they didn’t: he felt strong, he had a plan, and beneath him was a machine he trusted completely - the Handsling TR3evo.
By the end of the race, the underdog had become national champion.
A life built around cycling — on and off the track
Koen’s days revolve around bikes in more ways than most racers. Away from competition, he runs STREETWISE CYCLING, a project supporting people in vulnerable situations - refugees, individuals recovering from addiction, those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or financial hardship. Through the Amsterdam‑based welfare organisation De Regenboog Groep, Koen teaches participants how to repair bikes and takes them riding, giving them skills, confidence, and community.
It’s meaningful work, and it shapes his training too. Koen commutes 25 km each way by bike, forming the backbone of his fitness, and rides twice a week with project participants. “It gives me a head start compared to people who have to organise everything outside their daily routines,” he says. When a major goal approaches, he layers in focused training for six to eight weeks; a balancing act made possible by a supportive family.
A rider shaped by speed skating, Australia, and a love of the track
Koen’s cycling story began at age 10, originally as summer conditioning for ice speed skating. After a long break from 15 to 30, he returned to the bike with renewed purpose and quickly rediscovered his competitive instincts. Track racing, in particular, felt like home.
“I enjoy road racing too, but the track suits me physically,” he explains. “I’d love to race track year‑round. I lived in Australia for a few years and the outdoor track scene there is huge. Something like that in the Netherlands would be fantastic.”
His strengths - high top speed, sharp acceleration, fast recovery, and a keen tactical mind - make him a natural for the points race, one of the most demanding events on the velodrome.
Executing the perfect race
Going into Nationals, Koen knew he wasn’t on anyone’s favourites list. He used that to his advantage.
“I managed to get the favourites to fight each other while I rode away with the win,” he says. He scored heavily early in the race, then conserved energy for the final sprint, trusting that the others would tire. “That was the plan, and it played out perfectly.”
It was a masterclass in timing, patience, and racecraft - the kind of performance that comes from years of experience and a deep understanding of how a points race unfolds.
The machine behind the medal: Handsling TR3evo
Koen’s victory was powered by a meticulously prepared Handsling TR3evo, built for stiffness, speed, and precision - exactly what a points race demands.
His setup included:
- Handsling TR3evo frameset
- Velobike 62–16 gearing
- PRO TT saddle
- Princeton‑style 3‑spoke front wheel (clincher)
- Velosa Bike disc rear wheel (clincher)
- FMB/Aerocoach latex clincher tyres
- Vittoria latex tubes
- Velobike 190 mm +7° stem
- Velodrom.shop track handlebar
- Ridea 165 mm crankset
- Ultegra pedals
One detail stands out: Koen’s rear disc wheel. After discovering it wasn’t stiff enough and rubbed the chainstay under acceleration, he took an unconventional approach - filling the wheel with PU expanding foam. “It was a little scary,” he admits, “but it turned out really good. It’s heavier now, but rock solid.”
He first heard about Handsling through the False Flat cycling shop, and the TR3evo has since become his trusted race partner.
Looking ahead: Worlds, fixed‑gear crits, and new goals
Koen structures each season around three major goals. This year, one of them is the Masters Track World Championships in London. Another is winning a fixed‑gear criterium - a discipline where he’s long been active. The third goal is still undecided, but for now, he’s taking a moment to rebalance life after the intense build‑up to Nationals.
What’s clear is that Koen isn’t slowing down. Whether he’s guiding vulnerable riders into the world of cycling or lining up for another championship, he brings the same determination, humility, and passion - and the TR3evo will be right there with him.
The TR3evo: built for speed, refined for every rider
Koen’s success also reflects the qualities that define the Handsling TR3evo. Engineered for maximum stiffness, stability and aerodynamic efficiency, the TR3evo delivers the instant power transfer and precise handling that track racing demands.
Every frameset is hand‑finished in the UK, and Handsling’s customisation options allow riders to tailor their build from the ground up - from component choice to cockpit setup to bespoke paintwork.
Whether you’re chasing national titles, racing local track leagues, or building your dream fixed‑gear machine, the TR3evo provides a platform that adapts to your ambitions and your style.
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