Interview with Johnny Hoogerland
We present the second promoter of L'Etape Slovenia, a former professional cyclist.
We present the second promoter of L'Etape Slovenia. He is a cyclist who was previously known in professional circles, but now regularly wins amateur cycling marathons in our immediate vicinity. He is a former Dutch national champion in road cycling and the winner of the last two editions of the Franja Marathon.
Interview with Johnny Hoogerland
Who is Johnny in person? Describe yourself in 3 sentences.
39 years old. Living in Austria and running there a small hotel at the Wörthersee with my family. Married with Gerda, two daughters (Saar 8, Tess 6).
Who is Johnny professionally? Describe yourself in 3 sentences.
Professional cyclist till 2017, Dutch Champion 2013, 3x Tour de France (2011, 2012, 2013) participant, 5 days in polka-dot jersey (Tour de France 2011).
When did you first sit on a bicycle?
When I was eight years old.
What draws you to the bike, why is the bike so great?
Especially because of the freedom and nature.
What is your favorite piece of racing gear?
Everything from RH77 cycling clothes, as it is perfect design and fitting.
What is your favorite race?
Tour de France
Which victory are you most proud of?
Dutch Championships 2013
What is your favorite cycling memory?
Liege-Bastogne-Liege in year 1999 with Frank Vandenbroucke and Michele Bartoli on La Radoute.
List your five favorite climbs and which one is your favorite?
I really don’t have a favorite climb.
How long was your longest one-day-drive?
It was for about 450 km. Back in 2017 with some cycling friends in the Netherlands.
What is your favorite bike and what is your dream bike?
BMC, both.
What is your favorite virtual cycling platform?
Procyclingstats.com
Do you practice any other sport besides cycling?
Yes, Ski mountaineering.
Describe your favorite training session?
100 km ride with 2000 meters of climbing. Prefer climbs are around 15 minutes maximum.
Where will you attack on L’Etape Slovenia?
No idea yet.
Which part of L'Etape Slovenia route are you most looking forward to?
The ‘beer part’ after the race.
Which famous cyclist would you most like to spend a day on a bike with?
Frank Vandenbroucke
Black or white socks?
Black
Your favorite pre-workout meal?
I don’t have one.
What is your favorite snack during training or a race?
Snickers or mars.
What do you prefer, coffee during the training session or beer after it?
Coffee during. And a beer after.
Your advice to all L'Etape Slovenia participants?
Don’t risk too much and come safe back to the finish line.
Maka a reservation and train with Johnny
Johnny runs a family hotel at the Wörthersee in Austria. To view the hotel and make a reservation, as well as the possibility of training with Johnny, visit the website.
