Our new ambassador Wouter Fioole from the Netherlands will take part at the 44th Giro delle Dolomiti; we had the pleasure of getting to know him thanks to a digital initiative promoted by our partner CycloWorld.
From which country/city are you writing us? Where do you usually go cycling?
I live in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Because I live on the outskirts of the city, I can jump on my bike and directly ride into the Dutch countryside. I spend most of my time riding the flat road in the polders. Because of the wind, it can still be very challenging. When time allows, I travel to Flanders (Belgium) or the South of Limburg (most southern part of the Netherlands) for some hillier roads. On the bigger holidays, I try and find real big mountains!
What meaning has cycling in your country? Sport, commuting, infrastructures for cyclist, tourism…
Cycling is part of our Dutch culture. Everyone has at least one bike, which is why there are more bikes than people in our country. As an example: my girlfriend and I are only living together with the two of us, but have 8 different bikes in total. The roads are adjusted to suit cyclers. Most of the time cyclist have their own lanes or at least a dedicated part of the road. Roads are smooth and well maintained.
How many years did you take part of the Giro delle Dolomiti?
2020 would have been my first appearance, … I won tickets on cycloword.cc for the event and have been looking forward to it ever since! Really, really looking forward to riding the Giro!
How would you define the Giro delle Dolomiti in three keywords?
I can’t describe it yet. But just reading the stories of the other ambassadors, watching the 2020 trailer over and over again (think I watched it 20-times just to get that feel of anticipative excitement again), reading race reports and blog… I can only think of it is a “friendly cycling heaven”. Can’t wait to be there!
What do you find unique in the Dolomites, UNESCOs Heritage?
The combination of the most beautiful scenery and unforgiving cycling roads. That combination of suffering and soaking yourself in the landscape is why I seek out these places.
What do you think about the Giro format, that is a balanced combination of timed and controlled speed sections with road closed to traffic?
It combines the two elements that make cycling on my level so much fun. Socializing and meeting other cyclists, hearing their stories and racing and testing yourself against the others. It’s the first time that these will be combined in one event for me!
Out of all the stages you have been cycling in the past years, which one is your favourite? And which Dolomite Pass have you never done and would like to try?
I still have never gone up the Stelvio, so this is high on my bucket list.
On average, how many km do you cycle per year?
On average I cycle 12000 km/year. And run about 1500 and swim about 150.
22 March 2021
