Calpe Training Camp: Team Rock Climbing
On Wednesday, Team RadioShack riders logged about three hours on the bike, more for others such as Andreas Kloden. Taking full advantage of the beautiful Calpe weather, the 35-year-old German rode for nearly five hours. Meeting in front of the hotel after lunch, the team directors led staff and riders on a fifteen-minute walk from the hotel toward “El Peñon d’Ifach,” known as the Rock of Calpe. Standing at 332 meters tall, the riders were challenged to make the 40-minute ascent. The reward: one of the most breathtaking views of the Spanish coastline.
Like their teammates back in Arizona, the day’s team-building activity quickly became competitive. The hike was never technically announced as a race, but you know the riders…they are always looking for a friendly competition. Who would make it to the top first? And so the ascent began!
Klodi, Dmitriy Muravyev and Eki decided to take a short-cut, off the designated trail. Fortunately, their daring efforts paid off and they proudly reached the summit first. Once the team gathered at the top, riders and staff enjoyed the incredible views of Costa Blanca and took pictures to share with their friends and families back home.
Following a special team meeting, the team began the descent. The afternoon’s adventure was both challenging and exciting. Although we are feeling the off-the-bike efforts in our legs today, the moment and views the team shared together atop El Penon d’Ifach were well worth it.
Hasta mañana from Calpe training camp!
Photo credits: Viatcheslav Ekimov and Philippe Maertens
Walking to the Peñon.
Portuguese riders Manuel Cardoso, Tiago Machado and Nélson Oliveira begin the climb.
Yaroslav "Popo" Popovych always smiling, with Jani Brajkovic, Gregory Rast, Geoffroy Lequatre and Michal Kwiatkowski.
Soigneur Ryszard Kielpinski stopping to take a picture of the team's progress up the Rock.
Fortunately there were ropes on the more treacherous parts.
Team RadioShack taking over the Spanish tourism attraction.
Klodi's goes off the path to find a faster way to the top.
Murayev following Klodi and Eki on the short-cut.
Murayev and Klodi smile and point to their teammates still making their way to the top.
Success for Eki, Klodi and Mura - reaching the top first.
The rest of the team nearing the top.
Dirl Demol
Native Spainard Markel Irizar is happy to reach the summit.
Gregory Rast will feel the efforts in his legs tomorrow!
Haimar Zubeldia sports a Team RadioShack shirt designed by teammate Geoffroy Lequatre, a.k.a. G4.
Gregory Rast talks with new rider Philip Deignan atop El Peñon d’Ifach.
Michal Kwiatkowski enjoys the views of Costa Blanca.
Geoffroy Lequatre takes a picture and chats with Sébastien Rosseler.
Director Alain Gallopin addresses the team. Allez Team RadioShack 2011!
Photo credits: Viatcheslav Ekimov and Philippe Maertens
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