I'm winding down today's blog looking at Johan, Dirk and Alain seated across the lobby. They use these quiet evenings to talk logistics and racing strategy. They're huddled over this seasons schedule, making a few tweaks and adjustments. Determining who rides at each race, staffing and equipment logistics is a complex process. Check back throughout the season as we'll announce rosters for each race in the Media Section.

Today we kicked it up a notch and two mountains. We spent six hours on the bike with the rookies being given the option to peel off early (Hour 4). With five more days at camp, we know these guys are tough as nails. However, it is necessary for Johan to set these appropriate riding limits for them as strength and conditioning is a gradual process at the next level.

Meeting outside the Big Rig for a 9:30am departure, riders eagerly huddled around today's route. After two easy to moderate rides, Klodi and Levi chatted about the itch to put in some more miles. Their wish was Johan's command.

The first two hours rolled along at a relatively social pace. Steegmans, part of our Belgian trio, remains the teams joker. On race radio, you could hear his constant commentary as Big Red chugged along. He joked with me the other morning, demanding to read and sign a contract before I had the pleasure of snapping his picture. Throughout the day, he'd wave a hand in front of his face when he saw the camera lens, a huge grin hidden behind.

Similar to when you see one team move to the front of the peleton to set tempo, each rider took a turn at the front on the first winding climb (7km). We crested the top and dove into a hair-raising descent into the valley. Riders took this hour to replenish on much needed fluids and calories.

On the horizon was an ominous mountain range and you can guess where Johan's navigational beacon was pointed.  The ride toward the mountain was actually a 15km false flat. Up the base of the climb, safety concerns were heightened as motorcycles whipped around the corners at high speeds. I guess these roads are a dream for anything on two wheels.Note, professionals deal with the same everyday issues as any biker, as helmets and alert defensive riding prove imperative for our guys on roads like these.

Enter the 5km gut buster of the day. It's the steepest yet and Klodi tells me it was good but then makes a face and corrects his response, the tough kind of good. Vaitkus and Rosseler crushed it, hitting up to 600 watts of output at one point. An acceleration that only lives in most of our dreams.

With 196km logged after six hours and 20 minutes on the bike, Team RadioShack is well-deserving of tomorrow's rest day. Mechanics will continue work on the TREK Speed Concept tomorrow and have added excitement after a visit today from Hutchinson Tire. Representatives Arnaud and Marie swung in to talk tires, providing their insight on their product line that is bringing our bikes to the next level.

As Johan and the directors wrap up their lobby meeting, a few of the guys say goodnight, probably heading to their rooms to check-in with loved ones back home. Roommate pairings are generally based off of how pairs know each other previously. A lot of our guys have been riding together for years with some friendships dating back to same amateur scenes in native countries. Primary languages can also be a determining factor. Although, I will say team communication is not a major barrier. Most of our guys can speak several languages, with Johan topping the list with fluency in seven.

Not even the biggest game in American sports, the NFL's Super Bowl, is keeping the riders and staff from the States up late tonight. Until tomorrow, thanks for checking in!

It's lights out from Calpe, Spain.

Beppu

Beppu, Bewley, & Geater

The Big Climb

The Food

Zipvit Bars

Our friends from Hutchinson

Hutchinson Tires

Steegmans & Irizar

Kloden, Impey, Beppu & Rast

Bewley

Levi

Rosseler & Rast

Rovny

Zubeldia

photos: Glenn Kasin