LINDA HOCHSTENBACH

ROLE  Tour Leader

RIDE  Most favourite ride was the Trans Rockies contest in Canada on my mountain bike. It was a 7 day stage contest (I love the mountains). But the past 6 years I wasn't able to ride so last year I had a total knee replacement. I enjoyed every ride now - on my gravel bike, road racer or mountain bike. No matter, just ride!

RELAX   in winter time I swim in cold water or an ice-dip. But I also like to play and walk with my dog Luca, a Wirehair Vizsla

REFRESHMENT   just cold water. when it's hot, a cold white beer with a slice of lemon

READ   Homosapiens by Harari.  It's all about the humans

I was born, and still live, in the Netherlands; a small country in Europe. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. I was always the kind of person who plays outside. My first love was competition diving. I was a member of the Dutch national team and dived in a lot of country's, from 1, 3 and 10 meter platform.

My love for cycling started growing after I broke my cruciate anterior playing field hockey. And now I still love it. I live now with my husband Bob in the middle of the Netherlands in Maartensdijk near the woods. Bob is a very good cyclist and we both like to play a lot outside; kitesurfing, mountain biking, road racing and gravel riding, but I also love motor riding.  Since we own a dog we love to go out with him as well and drive to the mountains to do all the outdoor activities.

For a living I do a lot of consulting work but also work as a physiotherapist. Just the perfect combination.