Johnny Hoogerland

This guy from the Dutch province of Zeeland faced a major challenge of proving himself again as a rider. The man with enormous professional focus and a big character wanted to return to riding, and made a good start in 2012. With a fifth place in the final ranking of the Tirreno-Adriatico which had a strong line-up, Hoogerland soon drew people’s attention. However, illness got in the way around the classics, where the 29 year-old rider spent a long time finding his form. In the autumn, Hoogerland had regained his form, but had little luck on his way to a big splash. The man who came twelfth in his first major tour is sure to be on the offensive again in 2013. The rider with grit is considering refocusing on the classics again, and to include the Tour of Flanders in his programme.