Amstel Gold Race – Reto Hollenstein: «IAM Cycling is a big family»

“Amstel Gold will be a first for me.  But I am happy because it is a true celebration of cycling.  I have watched the video from last year.  Here, as with in Belgium or at the Paris-Roubaix, there is a real culture of cycling. Of course, the enthusiasm of the spectators can sometimes cause a crash.”

Reto Hollenstein offers his impressions after spending two hours on the roads around Limburg.

The Swiss rider from Thurgau has this opportunity to live his dream even if he regrets that Thomas Löfkvist was forced out of the event when he fractured the 1^st phalanx and index finger of his left hand.

“IAM Cycling is a big family and I savor my time with them.  For me, to wear the jersey of the only professional Swiss cycling team is a great honor.  Having been a pro only since 2009 (Vorarlberg), I am still learning my trade.  It does not frustrate me at all to work for my team leaders.  One day or another, there will be perhaps an opportunity for me, and I will seize it.  I have already been the virtual leader on the road in two prestigious tours by being alone in long breakaways: first in the 2009 Tour of Switzerland, and then in the 2012 Giro d’Italia.”

Educated in his native village of Sirnach in Thurgau, the lanky (197cm, 80kg) rider from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, started cycling when he was 14 years old.

“During my apprenticeship in electronics, I finally chose cycling.  And I succeeded in making my passion my profession as well.  In 2009 I finished the first World Tour race in which I competed: the Tour of Flanders.  This season, I am very motivated by the thought of racing the Tour of Switzerland, and I hope to earn my place on the IAM Cycling squad for that race.  My first race this year was in Qatar, and I am ready to give my all till the end of our calendar, and in that way continue improving.”