Hugo Van Den Berg, also known as "The Great Hugo" was born in Urk, Netherlands. Very well-known for its fishing history, Hugo was naturally raised in a fisherman family. His father, Joop Van Den Berg, was a famous entrepreneur, managing several fishing companies around the IJsselmeer. Nothing predicted Hugo to a brilliant cycling career as he was more familiar to trawlers than bicycles.
At age 11, during a sea fishing session in the North Sea, Joop Van Den Berg's squad collected a peculiar treasure. Lost in the middle of an half ton of haddocks trapped in the trawl of the "Koning Van Allemaal'(The King of them All), Hugo and the fishermen found an old and rusted Colnago. The reason why this bike was throwed in the North Sea still remains a mystery. Right after his trip in the North Sea, Hugo gave a second life to his new friend and gained impressive cycling skills. Hugo joined one the mos...
Read moreHugo Van Den Berg, also known as "The Great Hugo" was born in Urk, Netherlands. Very well-known for its fishing history, Hugo was naturally raised in a fisherman family. His father, Joop Van Den Berg, was a famous entrepreneur, managing several fishing companies around the IJsselmeer. Nothing predicted Hugo to a brilliant cycling career as he was more familiar to trawlers than bicycles.
At age 11, during a sea fishing session in the North Sea, Joop Van Den Berg's squad collected a peculiar treasure. Lost in the middle of an half ton of haddocks trapped in the trawl of the "Koning Van Allemaal'(The King of them All), Hugo and the fishermen found an old and rusted Colnago. The reason why this bike was throwed in the North Sea still remains a mystery. Right after his trip in the North Sea, Hugo gave a second life to his new friend and gained impressive cycling skills. Hugo joined one the most famous Flevoland's cycling team, where he quickly showed his talent and lead for climbing races.
At age 19, Hugo was spotted by the Norwegian team Andeby, where he could develop his strength and skills. He participates in his first OCM race at age 21. A few months later, Hugo joined the famous squad of Don Hamstre as a loan between the two teams. Speedily, The Great Hugo - 1m89 - raised as a strong climber and a talented future leader. He participates in several major OCM Tours, the Norway Tour, the Nederlandese Tour, the Perm Tour and the Volta ao Porto, where he was quite impressive. He won his first race in Norway, Season38. Hugo came back to Andeby. Things were pretty clear for manager Donald. Hugo will be one the main riders of the team for the next seasons. His bet was successful as Hugo won the General and Youth Classification of the Volta ao Porto. Things couldn't get any better for Hugo.
Unfortunately, his successful starting career was coming to an end. Hugo had a terrible accident during a training session in Las Palmas. The Urk-native wasn't able to rider for 6 months and his contract with Andeby was rescinded.
Season 42 was the season of the renewal for Hugo as the Romanian Team H20 signed him. Quickly, the Dutch helped the team to reach upper divisions. Hugo Van Den Berg was close to win his second Tour during Season 47 but failed and arrived 2nd in the Monte Rosa Tour.
In Lausanne, Hugo met his Icelandic wife Bryndís Guðmundsdóttir. He decided to move to Iceland, where he ended his career with the team Lundar, in Akureyri, Iceland. Hugo is currently trainer and sporting manager of Lundar. He is also President of the Dutch-Icelandic Haddock Fishing Company and owns 3 trawlers.
Netherlands