Your favourite race and climb?

Giro d’Italia is my favourite race and the climb to The Etna Volcano is totally different experience, different landscapes and it is really special feeling to climb there.

Your best or most memorable result in pro cycling?

My best racing experiences and best results has been at the last Giro 2019. It was a big surprise for me to have two victories at the same Giro. I concluded my first Grand Tour victory, and my second victory happened in the third week in such a special scenery and at the Queens’ stage.

What do you enjoy doing away from the bike?

I am sport geek. I love lots of different sports. I love surfing. Here in my surrounding, I have great conditions for surfing. I like to go to the mountain hiking, I like being in the nature as much as possible. Spending time with my friends and wife means so much to me. We have a lot of social life here when I’m out of the season. We go to cinema, theatre, parties,… I like music in my way,… I have a nice life in sport and out of sports…

What are your thoughts on the Merida Reacto you will be racing this season?

I am excited to try a new Merida Reacto. I hope it is a great combination of climbing bike and aero bike and it will be as comfortable as this years’, but if it will be a lighter and faster one it will be so welcome.