Five unknown facts: Gianni Meersman

Five unknown facts: Gianni Meersman

In January, we kicked-off a season-long series focused on unknown things about our riders. Very likely, everybody is aware how the Etixx – Quick-Step riders came into the sport or what are their biggest results to date, but few or none know what movies and music they enjoy, or where they like to spend their holidays. Here's your chance to find out all these.

Superstitions: Before the start of a race, I kiss the name of my daughter, which I have tattoed on my arm.

Favourite movies: "American Gangster", which is one of those rare films that make you think. Denzel Washington is a fantastic actor, who adds an incredible depth to this movie. Actually, when it comes to films, I watch anything with Denzel, Morgan Freeman and Samuel L. Jackson, because all three are superb actors.

Favourite TV series: Have you heard of "Power"? It's a captivating show, by far one of the best dramas in recent years; not only that it has a strong foundation in its great cast, appealing storyline and unique style, but it also has a remarkakle 50 Cent, who's doing a great job on and off the scene.

Favourite holiday destination: I love going with my family to a place with nice weather, good food and not too many people, so we can relax and enjoy the beauty it has to offer.

Other sports I follow: From time to time, I watch some Champions League matches; Real Madrid is my favourite team and I try not to miss any of their games. I also like snooker quite a lot, it's really fantastic. Ronnie O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson are my top two players, but in all fairness I respect all snooker players, because it's very difficult what they are doing; they are always under pressure and always in impossible situations, but somehow they manage to come out of them.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele