USA Pro Cycling Challenge-Pre Race

T minus 1 with Team Exergy So the fitness has been gathered over the prior months and the team patiently awaits the last big race of the year in Colorado. It has been solid year for the team, but you can see the toll it has taken on the riders and staff. There is certainly a different sense from everyone in comparison to the first big stage race of year at the Tour of California. So, other than pitching in a hand for any odd job that needs to be done, my primary role is to help everyone recover as well as one can from day to day. Though I certainly can’t help anyone gain fitness, I can make sure I provide the best tools available for the guys to get ready for the next day. This includes Recovery Pump System to flush the legs pre- and post- rides, cooling system for the hot days, optimal nutrition that is easy on the stomach yet provides adequate calories and nutrients, and addressing musculoskeletal ailments from saddle sores to road rash. These are items available to every team, but you would be surprised how easy it is to neglect recovery when the cyclists and staff are fatigued. The Recovery Pump System has been a great addition this year. We are able to get the guys in the “legs” for as much time as they want each evening. It really makes the soigneur’s job that much easier; the general comment is how much more supple the guys muscles are in comparison to when we didn’t have them available. I haven’t seen anyone run into a problem being in them too much…and trust me, some of the guys stay in them for a good deal of time. I have found the graduated, optimal compression pressure and quick cycling of the pressure to be key components that separate these compression boots to others on the market. And it is key that they are easily transportable…we don’t have a problem throwing them in our bags for flights or the day transfers during the tour.

So, what does the night before the first stage look like? After dinner, we had the pre-race briefing for the riders discussing everyone’s role for tomorrows stage, pointing out areas that are strategic to accomplish the different race goals. The riders pitch in where prior experience or local race knowledge is helpful. It is always interesting to see how the day rolls out in comparison the race plan. Some days its like clockwork…some days, not so much.

Following the racers briefing, the staff meet and we discuss everyone’s role for the day. Most of the roles are relatively established, but nuances nearly always exist. The mechanic(s) are up at the break of dawn getting the bikes ready. The soigneurs are preparing the bags and nutrition for the day, the rest of the staff are splitting feed zone and driving duties. Somebody has to leave early with the trailer prior the race departure to set up the next hotel. Feed zone staff go ahead to the feeding area and then back ahead of the race to help set up recovery at the finish. The director and asst. director are in 2 different cars behind the peloton. If we are in the break, our lead car heads goes ahead of the peloton with the break while the 2nd car assist the guys in the peloton. Most days, guests and media folks are riding in the cars as well. So tomorrow it all begins… breakfast will begin at 5 am, bags at the trailer by 8:15, early car departure by 9, and the race begins at 10 am. So see you on the road. Ride the Wind with Team Exergy