Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador talk at the 2010 Tour de France presentation in Paris
(Photo: Yuzuru Sunada)
Tomorrow morning the plane leaves to the Canary Islands, a small strip of volcanic masses off the northwest coast of northern Africa and a popular training ground for the worlds fastest cyclists. Team Saxo Bank is training on the island of Fuerteventura and RBA was invited by Specialized to witness the team prepare for their assault on the 2010 season. Aside from negotiating my way around the island amongst a flurry of German tourists in questionable beach attire, we will get to ride with the team, learn more about their individual and collective plans for the upcoming season and witness how Specialized takes each rider through their BG Fit program.
I suppose it's okay to get dropped by the likes of Andy and Frank Schleck and Fabian Cancellara? I think I'll do the short ride and do my best to not get in the way and b-line it to some sort of Tapas bar as soon as I get in a solid 30-minute workout. I don't think my regular regimen of lunch rides and 17-mile mph group rides on Saturday's is going to cut it. I have been trail running barefoot lately, but I don't think that has done the trick either. I will keep you posted
Wednesday of next week we will fly from Fuerteventura to the east coast of Spain and get a chance to meet with another newly-signed Specialized athlete, Alberto Contador and a few of his Astana teammates. Alberto's image in the press, especially after last years Tour de France is a bit confusing, and I have a hunch he is much more animated than most people think. He has a story to tell: other than being the best stage racer in the world currently, he also came back from an almost career-ending crash in 2004 at the Vuelta and his ability to succeed and take care of his family by racing bikes is worth telling. We hope to bring you another side to the 2009 Tour de France champion.
Bags are packed. I will be writing every day about Camping in Spain and you can also follow us at www.twitter/com/roadbikeaction where I'll be posting updates and photos of the days events.
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