MEET US
THE FACE OF OUR BUSINESS
Martijn Maaskant now oversees the design, research, planning, and execution of each tour, while Peter Easton, the founder, remains closely involved. Together, they ensure each trip is meticulously crafted to offer clients a distinctive, highly personalized travel experience, making every journey unique and memorable for all who join.
OUR SPIRIT
For small business owners, it’s customary to wear different hats, but a true entrepreneur embraces numerous roles that enhance the profile and bring a unique flavor to the service and product. This spirit provides our clients and customers with a service that is colored by the eyes and creativity of an architect, translated through the pen of a journalist, hosted over a meal arranged by a foodie complemented with drinks ordered by a sommelier in training. This lets every aspect of every trip bring an unscripted, personalized feel that utilizes our experience and talent to deliver the unexpected. This is what we consider the brilliance of entrepreneurship.
OUR TEAM
OUR WORK IS YOUR VACATION
THE VELO CLASSIC STORY
FEELING LIKE A KID AGAIN
Peter Easton created Velo Classic in 2000 as a way to channel his two-fold obsession with the sport of cycling and exploring cultures. He wanted to curate unforgettable experiences that brought together like-minded people who shared a passion for rewarding legendary cycling expeditions with exquisite indulgences.
- ”We all pick our passions. Or maybe they pick us. I grew up in a family that loved to travel. From a very young age, my parents would take us across borders to discover another world outside of my suburban New Jersey home. This profound curiosity for unearthing the splendor of other regions stayed with me throughout my life.
- I then started cycling seriously in 1990 with my father and became enthralled with every aspect of the experience. It was a way to break free from the monotonous regimen of work. When I wasn’t on my bike, I found myself daydreaming about my next ride.
- I spent a semester in architecture school studying in Florence, where I immersed myself in Italian culture and built genuine relationships with the people around me. Over the years, I continued to travel to Europe, each visit pulling me deeper into love with the rich charm and grit of the countless sub-cultures.
- There’s something very special that happens when I’m on my bike. Perhaps you’ve felt it, too. When I’m cycling up a hill or down a mountain, I feel like I’m a kid again. I breathe in the fresh air as the wind hits my face, and my eyes soak in the beauty of my surroundings.”
THE STORY BEHIND MARTIJN’S PATH TO VELO CLASSIC
Martijn Maaskant and Peter Easton first met at the start of the E3 Prijs-Harelbeke in 2012, Pete asked Martijn to join in for a dinner with one of his tours in Maastricht later that year, where their shared passion for the sport and European culture quickly created a strong bond. Peter, having built Velo Classic around immersive experiences blending serious cycling with local culture, saw in Martijn a like-minded spirit who understood and valued the tour’s ethos. Over time, their friendship deepened, especially as Martijn joined as a guest host on several trips, bringing his professional experience, warmth, and humor to the journeys.
THE RENAISSANCE
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE RIDE, BUT THE FEELING OF TRULY BEING THERE
When Martijn first crossed paths with Velo Classic years ago, it was clear that this wasn’t just another tour company. The passion for cycling, the deep connection to European culture, and the warm hospitality that shaped every trip left a lasting impression on him. It felt more like a family gathering than a business, and he quickly realized that it wasn’t just about riding through the heart of Europe—it was about sharing an experience, creating memories, and building connections.
- “For those who have been on trips with me, you know that cycling is more than just a sport for me—it’s a way of life. After racing professionally for 10 years, I experienced the highs and lows of the sport, from finishing 4th in Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, to the challenges that came with life on and off the bike. Those experiences shaped who I am today, and they’ve deepened my love for the sport in ways that go far beyond competition.
- So, when I approached Peter about taking over Velo Classic, it wasn’t just about running a business—it was about continuing a legacy that he built over 25 years. I’ve always admired the way Peter crafted these trips with such thoughtfulness and care, blending serious cycling with rich cultural experiences, and treating every guest like part of the family. I knew that this was something I wanted to carry forward, but also to add my own touch, bringing a European perspective to the trips and making them even more immersive for our guests.
- Cycling through Europe is special for so many reasons. It’s the cobbled streets of Belgium, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the quiet mountain roads in the Pyrenees—it’s not just about the ride, but the feeling of truly being there. For me, it’s always been about those moments when the sun sets behind the mountains after a long ride, or when we share a meal together after a day on the bike, celebrating the experience, the fiendship, and the joy of discovery.
- Now, as the new owner and director of Velo Classic, I’m excited to bring that feeling to even more rides. The foundation that Peter built—Serious Cycling, Sublime Culture, and Exemplary Service—will remain at the core of what we do. But I’m also eager to infuse the trips with a local European flair, adding personal connections with the people, places, and traditions that make cycling in Europe so unique.”
NO PRESSURE, NO JUDGMENT
These cycling adventures are not for the faint-hearted! As a group, we keep each other motivated by appreciating the magnificent sites that surround us. The Velo Classic team truly respects that you’re the expert when it comes to your own body’s limitations. And if you decide not to complete every climb or descent, there’s no pressure in this genuine no-judgement zone. It’s not about giving up on your bike – it’s about doing what you have to do to carry on and take pleasure in the rest of the day. Because you certainly want to make sure you save energy to appreciate the countless delights we’re presented with throughout the trip.
THE VELO CLASSIC APPROACH
BALANCING INTENSITY WITH ELEGANCE
You work hard year round and deserve the best when you go on vacation. When you ride with Velo Classic, you will relish in handcrafted premium tours that artfully incorporate the exclusive insights of the local friends we’ve made during the course of countless journeys along Europe’s most legendary cycling routes.
- On each trip, we bring together an intimate group of up to 10 cyclists to offer you a highly personalized journey that adapts to your specific cycling needs and cultural interests.
- Velo Classic presents you with an unparalleled opportunity to experience Europe’s most captivating routes and thrilling climbs, topped off with delightful cuisines and luxurious accommodations.
- At the heart of Velo Classic’s philosophy is the tasteful balance of three strongly linked principles: serious cycling, local culture, and thoughtful hospitality.
- No matter how high the climb, no matter how fast the descent, no matter how tough the terrain, at Velo Classic, we ride for the fun, food, and friendship.
"LOSE YOURSELF IN THE RIDE"
RICHARD BASTONE CORTLANDT MANOR, NY“If you care about cycling, this is huge. When you travel with Velo Classic, you’ll have so much appreciation for your own endurance and what you’re doing on the bike. The adventure puts you in a completely different headspace where you just lose yourself in the ride. As you travel along these celebrated roads, you continuously marvel in the gorgeous surroundings. I wish I could stay there and ride my bike forever.”
OUR COMMUNITY
GIVING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD
Throughout the years, we have learned what is most important to helping sustain our business and our passion for the sport is giving back. We proudly support two great teams of athletes that have agendas that inspire in different areas of the sport. The Vicious Cyclers are a team of riders, some who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, who raise money for research as part of the MS Southern New York Chapter. We are humbled by their dedication and inspired by their commitment. Our Velo Classic p/b Stan’s No Tubes Domestic Elite Women’s Team is a group of highly charged, ambitious young women who capitalize on new opportunities to challenge themselves to be better cyclists, and more importantly, to let these experiences help them be better women and great female role models.