Ellen Van Dijk joined Team-HTC-Columbia in 2009. She is a young rider with a lot of talent on both the track and the road.

2010 Results

• Winner of Sparkassen Giro
  

What are you doing when you’re not cycling (hobbies)?

Most of the time I have to spend on my studies, human movement science. But that’s not really a hobby.   I like to spend time with friends, surf the Internet, listen to music, read and watch tv.

What do you like about riding for Team HTC-Columbia?
I really like the team spirit and the professionalism of team HTC-Columbia

What is your greatest childhood memory on 2 wheels?
I learned cycling without side wheels by myself. Full of pride I wanted to show it to my parents, but while I waved at them I rode into a well.  I crashed and had a big gap in my chin. At that moment it wasn’t a really great moment I guess, but now it is a funny story.

How did you get into cycling?
As a real dutch girl I did a lot of speed skating. I started it when I was 4 years old and had to stop racing when I was 19 because of cycling. In the summer we trained a lot on the bike and my brother made the switch from speed skating to cycling. When I was 10 I first did a little race in the neighborhood. My first national race was when I was 15.

What has been your biggest challenge as a pro cyclist?
My biggest challenge as a pro cyclist is to reach what is in my potential

Share a memorable pro career moment:
My world title in the scratch was my most memorable moment so far. For me it was very unexpectated and of course winning a world title is fantastic!

What is your most embarrassing moment?
Acting like I won when we had to do another lap….

What is the last song you listened to before you turned off your Ipod/Zune?
U2-Beautiful day

What is the best book you have ever read?
‘Een schitterend gebrek’ (Japin),  ‘Duizend schitterende zonnen’ (Houssini)

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate!