LENNARD Hofstede is a 23-year-old Dutch rider with Team Sunweb

Why do you cycle?

Because it’s my passion and I love to travel around the world while racing! It is my passion because I grew up with it because it is in the family. My favourite part about riding a bike are the coffee stops in the sun!

What do you ride?

I ride my Giant TCR on the road because I love to make big distance rides and seeing a lot of the places I’m travelling. I like the TCR because it is super light and stiff.

The Northern Echo: Leonard Hofstede. Picture: Peter van Heulen

Tell me about your favourite route?

My favourite race is Liege-Bastogne-Liege, because of all the history and because I like to ride my bike in the Ardennes. I also have a very good memory of the Under-23 race where I felt good all day and ended in fourth position.

Tell me about your best cycling memory?

My best cycling memory is that I was able to win Rhone-Alpes Isere tour. The biggest win of my career so far! It’s a 2.2 race in the South of France. It’s in the middle mountains. I won the second stage and was able to defend the Yellow Jersey until the last day!

What do you consider your most important piece of cycling equipment?

My bike, because without it I would get nowhere

If you could cycle anywhere where would that be?

I want to make a nice trip around Italy with my bike! I think it’s a very nice country with some nice climbs and of course good coffee. I’ll probably visit Tuscany.