Get to Know Astellas Cycling Team... Brecht Dhaene

New for 2014, we are proud to sponsor Astellas Cycling in the team's first year as domestic professionals. Get to know the team: 

Name: Brecht Dhaene

Age: 25

Hometown: Ghent, Belgium

When did you start cycling?

When I was 12 years old

What do you like about cycling?

The tactics, the mental and physical war in the race, the taste of victory, seeing all those beautiful places all around the world… I really enjoy cycling in every possible way

What do you not like?

Being not able to ride for whatsoever reason

What do you do outside of cycling? Jobs, hobbies, family? 

I have done a master in European Politics and I am now doing a second master in Management at Belgian universities.

I also enjoy going out for dinner with my girlfriend

When did you start riding with Astellas?

2014 will be my first year in an Astellas racing jersey.

How do you feel about becoming a Professional domestic team this year? 

It’s very exiting! I am really looking forward to do the USA/North-American racing calendar!

What type of racing is your “specialty?” 

I prefer climbs up to 8km and arrivals uphill. When it is been a hard racing, pushing the riders to their limits I’m at my best.

What races are you excited for this year? 

The North American (UCI) stage races will be my prior goals, such as Joe Martin, Tour of the Gila, Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay, Tour de Beauce.

What bike will you be riding this year? 

Litespeed!

Anything else? Tips, tricks, advice? 

It never gets easier, you just go faster. (Greg Lemond)

You can follow Brecht on Twitter @BrechtDhaene and be sure to follow @astellascycling