05 June 2013
IAM Cycling
Reto Hollenstein has been dreaming about the Tour of Switzerland ever since he took his first rides as a child.
Now 27 years old, the man from Sirnach, in the north east of Switzerland, is looking forward to the start on Saturday in Quinto; it will be the second time he will ride his national tour, and this time he is excited to be in IAM Cycling colors.
In the 2009 edition, which was my first time racing the Tour of Switzerland, I was able to put on a good show along one of my regular training routes. In the first fifty kilometers of the difficult stage leading from Oberriet to Bad Zurzach, the peloton had refused to let a break get away. When the speed finally dropped, I was able to breakaway alone, and spent the next 120 kilometers solo. I have not forgotten how special that moment was particularly because it was practically in my own backyard. And there were many spectators who knew me and encouraged me along the way.
The lanky (197 cm) rider from the Thurgau canton is ready to do everything he can to help his teammates, while still being ready to take his own chances when the opportunities arise.
We have a great team here for the Tour of Switzerland with Löfkvist, Tschopp and Wyss for the general classification not to mention Elmiger, Haussler and Denifl for the stages. Of course I am ready and willing to have a go at it too if the opportunity presents itself.
Still looking for his first victory as a professional, Reto Hollenstein has recovered from the sore knee he picked up during his work at the Tour of Norway, and is enjoying the environment of his new team.
At IAM Cycling, I really feel like I have found a family. A great atmosphere prevails and everyone is happy to pull in the same direction for the good of the team. Not only that, but the support staff and framework behind the scenes have reached all goals for this first season. It makes everyone want to put his nose to the grindstone and give the best of himself to fly high the colors of IAM Cycling. And the Tour of Switzerland is certainly one of the major goals of the season. I am prepared to go there, fight every day as hard as I can, leave everything on the road so that at the finish of the race, I will have absolutely no regrets.
Personal website retohollenstein.ch
Info about the race tourdesuisse.ch
