Orange Babies Cyclo-cross Team steps up for African mothers with HIV

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Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn poses with her 'cross bike(Image credit: Orange Babies Cycling Team)

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"I am very proud that we can promote Orange Babies through this team. It is a small organization that's giving help right at the spot where it is needed. And it's very effective. While in Africa, infected people – including pregnant women - are literally thrown out of the community because everyone is afraid of HIV. In South Africa, I heard that more than 20% of the people have HIV which I find incredible."

According to Groenendaal's personal experiences, HIV stigma may still exist in his homeland of The Netherlands, but it surely pales in comparison to Africa. "When I first got infected and had to stop with pro racing, it was a critical point because people continuously asked why I stopped cycling. At the same time the doctors were telling me to be careful who I tell because people might not understand and I'll lose friends.

"But I wanted to tell the truth. So when I came back to cycling six years later in 2000, I openly confirmed everyone's suspicions that I stopped racing because I was HIV-positive. I even gave permission to publications to print it. I was afraid of negative responses but I also had to find a job and build a career and take care of my family. What I found was that because I was honest about it, people respected me and wanted to know more about it. I always say, when you don't tell about it, you increase the stigma because eventually they will find out and when they do they think something's going on because you didn't tell."

"But when the doctor said this to me, my first response was that it's impossible – the risk is too high. If I fall and lose blood and someone else does too, no way I want this on my conscience! He appeased my concerns explaining that blood comes out of the body – not in, but I remained skeptical. I asked him if he could write that in a note so when I go to registration and they tell me I cannot start, I have something to give them. To my surprise, no one asked me for that note. Instead the only words they said to me were that they were glad to see me again because last they heard I was very sick and about to die."

Groenendaal's drive and determination surely rubbed off on his team of 15 riders if their 15 wins accumulated so far is any indication. Leading the team are professional riders Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn and Eddy van Ijzendoorn. For over 15 years, former Netherlands National Champion Hormes-Ravenstijn has steadily placed in the top ten at the highest level of competition such as World Cups and World Championships.

With a new title sponsor, the riders definitely feel it gives them a boost in the races. Hormes-Ravenstijn exclaims, "I am very enthusiastic to race for Orange Babies because it's a good aim. I'm a mother of a healthy boy, so I cannot even imagine being in the African mother's situation where she has HIV yet no access to medications and can therefore be sure she will pass the virus onto her unborn child. I also know the history of Frank so I feel so connected to this cause. For these reasons I also donate directly to Orange Babies every month. And in turn, riding for such an organization motivates me a lot to do my utmost this season - it gives me inspiration to do more."

Groenendaal's hopes are that these fundraising events will not only increase donations to Orange Babies but also increase visibility for his team so that he may be able to secure more sponsors. "With more money, we can really grow the team and make more publicity for Orange Babies. If there are more sponsors who want to join us in the way we do it now, they are very welcome. I've noticed that the sponsors find it an excellent idea to back such a good cause because even their employees get a kick out of it and support the money spent on that team."

After seven years of managing a cycling team, Groenendaal admits to bouts of burnout. "Naturally there are moments where I feel like I've simply had enough – where I'm tired and I start to think it's time to do something else with my time. But now with Orange Babies as a sponsor, I feel it gives me a little lift when I need it most. On those times when I want to give up, I think - hey Frank, you're tired but there are women out there who are pregnant without support of family or friends – they're on their own and have nowhere to turn. Do it for them."

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