Niki (45) on 25 Years at Belgian Cycling Factory: "As a Spray Painter, You Bring People’s Dreams to Life"
- 22 mei
- 2 minuten om te lezen
For 25 years, Niki Oeyen (45) has been part of Belgian Cycling Factory. Straight out of school, he applied on his own initiative to the company’s site in Beringen, where he discovered a creative outlet in the paint shop. Over the years, he progressed to become Team Lead of the department. To this day, he continues to contribute to what ultimately matters most: creating products people dream about. “You’re working on a high-end product that brings a real sense of pride. Everyone here is driven by the same goal.”
From an early age, Niki had a passion for design. “As a teenager, I was already immersed in graffiti and airbrush art. You can also see in my tattoos that I enjoy creative, artistic work. When I left school, I submitted a spontaneous application here. I started at the very bottom—packing, sanding, warehouse work, shipping, assembly and eventually worked my way up to the paint shop. Today, I lead the department together with my colleague Sharon.”
Over the past 25 years, Niki has built a deep connection with the company. “I still remember working on a yellow bike during the Lotto years for Cadel Evans when he was targeting a Tour victory. Those moments were incredibly intense. One evening, the bike is still hanging in the paint shop; the next day, millions of people are watching it. That gives you an extra drive to deliver perfection. It’s how you develop pride in the product and a strong bond with the company.”
Memorable moments
Memorable moments continued throughout the years. “I remember Robbie McEwen shining in the Tour on a green Ridley bike, and later our partnership with Vacansoleil. Riccardo Riccò even visited our factory, and we went together to the Circuit of Zolder. ‘The Cobra’ had a unique personality, he definitely left an impression. Even today, we closely follow professional riders, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see someone win a Tour stage on a bike we’ve painted.”
That sense of pride extends beyond the professional peloton. “Recently, a colleague told me how proud he felt after reading in the newspaper that Roland Liboton had received one of our bikes, reigniting his passion for cycling. Moments like that are special. We’re a family business: many colleagues become friends. We spend a large part of our days together, all working toward the same ambition: creating the most beautiful bikes possible.”
Opportunities
Today, the paint shop is looking for a new spray painter. “It’s a fantastic opportunity because the role is so diverse. A spray painter applies base coats, handles finishing, special effects, and clear coating. For me, the most rewarding part is the final result. If you’re painting doors, you never see them again. But bikes... you see them everywhere: on the road, in nature. You literally see the impact of your work.”
What Niki values most is the growth he’s experienced throughout his career. “That’s part of the company culture. If you show commitment and genuine interest in your job, you’re given opportunities to grow. At Belgian Cycling Factory, those opportunities are always there. I hope the right candidate seizes this opportunity quickly.”
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