"Schlager music is almost his religion" - An insight into double Giro stage winner Nico Denz

Nico Denz is on rampage, as he takes his second stage win at this year's Giro d'Italia. And he does so in a stunning fashion that left his opponents in disbelief, as only Derek Gee was able to keep up with the unstopabble German in the stage 14 final. But there's one thing even more brutal than Denz's finishing ability... that is his love for schlager, the classic German music.

Being the roommate of Nico Denz in a Grand Tour for 3 weeks, then it is best to have noise canceling headphones with you. Martijn Tusveld, his roommate during the 2020 Giro, can relate. "I've been sitting here with my headphones on for an hour trying to block out the music. It's so loud, but it's funny to see him having such a good time."

A film from DSM, Denz's team at the time, gives an insight into life with the German as a roommate. "I took dance lessons with my wife for our wedding party," says Denz. "That's how we discovered that we like this music. Schlager is the best music to dance to. Everyone says they don't like schlager, but when you put on a song, the party starts and everyone knows the lyrics."

"It's hard to stop moving when this song is on. Martijn loves it too," Denz demonstrates by turning on a schlager hit. "I can't say I hate it, because then Nico will kill me, I think. Schlager music is almost his religion," Tusveld responds.