In 2002 my father took me, as a high school laatie, to go follow the Tour de France on my bike. I was hooked by the sport witnessing the Armstrong-Ulrich battles and getting to ride the Alpe d’Heuz. It was on these slopes where I saw crazy fans from all over the world chanting "Allez! Allez! Allez!" as they cheered the riders on towards the finish line.

Since then I have realised that suffering is sacred having completed many multi-day races, ultra events and tours across the world. It never gets easier, but you learn to love the game.