• Belkin rider takes break to propose to Kimberly Herpelinck • Team confirm in stage 19 that ‘she said yes! Congratulations!’

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

The Belkin rider Jos van Emden took time out of his individual time trial during stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia to propose to his girlfriend.

Kimberly Herpelinck (@kherpelinck) Vanmorgen @josvanemden succes kunnen wensen in het mooie Italië :) @TeamBelkin #giro pic.twitter.com/hE2I5uy2PH

The team confirmed that Kimberly Herpelinck “said yes! Congratulations!” after the Dutchman pulled over in the middle of the 26km race and asked her to marry him. Van Emden then got back in the saddle to complete the stage.

Belkin Pro Cycling (@TeamBelkin) Guess what!? @josvanemden just pauzed his @giroditalia TT to ask his girlfriend @kherpelinck to marry him! She said yes! Congratulations!

The 29-year-old is competing in his fourth Giro, having ridden in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He is currently 106th in the overall 2014 standings, over three hours behind the Colombian leader, Nairo Quintana.

Van Emden is not the first professional cyclist to propose to his girlfriend in competition surroundings, though Johan Vansummeren got down on one knee in front of Jasmine Vangrieken after winning the Paris-Roubaix in 2011.