Johnny Hoogerland: attacker, escape artist, hard man. How hard? So hard that when he was thrown into that barbed wire fence on stage nine of the 2011 Tour de France, he rode to the finish line with blood-soaked bandages swathing his legs – injuries that would result in 33 stitches when he finally made it to the hospital later that evening. Oh, and despite the pain, he carried on all the way to Paris. Now that is a hard man – and we all know a hard man is good to find. Happy birthday, Johnny – 29 today!

Heeeerrrreeee’s Johnny

A lovely little film about Mr Hoogerland:

The crash

Notice how Thomas Voeckler just keeps on riding … I’m a big Voeckler fan but I think this was a bit callous.

The podium

If you can get through this film clip without a tear in your eye or a lump in your throat …

The aftermath

Gracious and matter of fact. What a man!