ODE TO
HEROES

BLOEMEN BUREAU HOLLAND

In a time when Dutch women weren't allowed to cycle competitively, Mien van Bree, a gardener's daughter from Loosduinen, defied convention. Chasing her dream on two wheels to Belgium, she became the first Dutch women's cycling world champion in 1938, twenty years before women's cycling gained recognition in the Netherlands.

During the Tour de France Femmes, we honored Mien's pioneering spirit. Collaborating with Westland's flower and plant growers, we created a vibrant floral mosaic along the Tour route in tribute to her groundbreaking legacy.

Illustration made by: Xaviera Altena

MAKING THE MOSAIC COMPLETE

Keetie van Oosten-Hage, the first official Dutch world cycling champion 56 years ago, placed the final symbolic flowers at the mosaic today ahead of the Tour.

CREDITS

GARDENERS
ANNE GOMBERT
NIKKI DE LA RAMBELJE
CAROLIJN PENNINGS
PUCK PETERS
ROOS VAN PUTTEN
RENEE SCHENK

PRODUCTIE
UNLIMITED PRODUCTIONS

ILLUSTRATIE
XAVIERA ALTENA

CAMERA
LEON WODTKE