Update: The Winter of Luger Mees van Buren
Mees van Buren (18) proves that lowlanders can excel in winter sports other than speed skating. As the only Dutch luger, he participated in the Youth Olympics in Korea at the beginning of 2024. In 2025, Mees aims to compete in as many World Cup luge events as possible and qualify for the Junior World Championships. This winter, he continues to forge his path to the top, with a financial boost from Gumption.
As a luger, you need to be in top physical and mental condition. Strength, endurance, and flexibility are crucial for control at extreme G-forces and speeds well over 100 km/h. Mees spent months preparing in his home country with specific strength and conditioning training. "In the summer months, I also trained in Latvia on special luge equipment—not ultramodern but intense and efficient," Mees shares.
As a luger, you need to be in top physical and mental condition. Strength, endurance, and flexibility are crucial for control at extreme G-forces and speeds well over 100 km/h. Mees spent months preparing in his home country with specific strength and conditioning training. "In the summer months, I also trained in Latvia on special luge equipment—not ultramodern but intense and efficient," Mees shares.
The winter season is now well underway. Mees has completed a substantial tour of Europe, with training and competitions in Norway, Latvia, Germany, and France. "In December, he spent two weeks in Winterberg, Germany. January started with a ten-day training session in Innsbruck. From there, he travels back and forth for training sessions and races in Oberhof (Germany) and St. Moritz (Switzerland). He concludes the luge season in early March in Sigulda, Latvia.
The winter season is now well underway. Mees has completed a substantial tour of Europe, with training and competitions in Norway, Latvia, Germany, and France. "In December, he spent two weeks in Winterberg, Germany. January started with a ten-day training session in Innsbruck. From there, he travels back and forth for training sessions and races in Oberhof (Germany) and St. Moritz (Switzerland). He concludes the luge season in early March in Sigulda, Latvia.
Mees' goal for 2025: to compete in as many World Cups as possible and qualify for the Junior World Championships. As a first-year junior, this is a challenging task. Sponsorship from Gumption helps Mees travel and purchase suitable equipment. "Thanks to Gumption's support, I can train more and push my limits in competitions against the best," says Mees. "It's necessary to achieve my dream."
Mees' goal for 2025: to compete in as many World Cups as possible and qualify for the Junior World Championships. As a first-year junior, this is a challenging task. Sponsorship from Gumption helps Mees travel and purchase suitable equipment. "Thanks to Gumption's support, I can train more and push my limits in competitions against the best," says Mees. "It's necessary to achieve my dream."
Why Gumption supports Mees
"The drive of Mees reflects our company values," says Bart Embrechts from Gumption. "The courage to explore new paths, the guts to set high standards, the determination to succeed, and the belief in collaboration as the key to success. Encouraging young and passionate talent on their way to leadership is the essence of what we do as an entrepreneurs' platform. Our support for a talent like Mees illustrates that mission."
Why Gumption supports Mees
"The drive of Mees reflects our company values," says Bart Embrechts from Gumption. "The courage to explore new paths, the guts to set high standards, the determination to succeed, and the belief in collaboration as the key to success. Encouraging young and passionate talent on their way to leadership is the essence of what we do as an entrepreneurs' platform. Our support for a talent like Mees illustrates that mission."