Calpe Training Camp: The First Race of the Season
In the next edition of team-building from December camp in Calpe, Spain...director Johan Bruyneel wanted to stress racing strategies and tactics. Although the team is spending the majority of the days on moderate training rides, it is never too early in the season to simulate racing scenarios.
Welcome to the track...the karting track, to be specific. Similar to their teammates Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer in Arizona, the European-based riders opted to race on four-wheels instead of two. Following the morning training ride, the team traveled to the karting track for an afternoon of speed and intense competition (as you will see from Eki!), but most of all, to enjoy some laid-back fun.
Riders went off in groups, as the top finishers from each heat advanced to the finals. For the Team RadioShack riders who are simply better racing on two wheels than four, there was also a consolation final, unfortunately referred to as the "loser's final."
Find out who won Team RadioShack's first (unofficial) race of the season below. Thanks for checking in and enjoy the pictures capturing our fast and furious (and fun) afternoon in Calpe, Spain!
Photo credits: Viatcheslav Ekimov and Philippe Maertens
Staffer Tiebe explains the qualification system on the team bus en route to the track.
Up first: Michal Kwiatkowski (64), Dmitriy Muravyev (68) and Andreas Klöden (66).
Andreas Kloden is ready!
Watch out, Klodi: Fumiyuki Beppu is right behind you.
José Azevedo and Yaroslav Popovych watch on.
New rider Nélson Oliveira (POR) on course.
Into the home-stretch, Muravyev is the fastest rider in qualification heat 1.
Up next: Rast and Cardoso
Racing in qualification heat 2: Ivan Rovny (66), Sérgio Paulinho, and director Johan Bruyneel - already plotting how to make his pass.
Johan Bruyneel, followed by Sébastien Rosseler, and Yaroslav Popovych before the start.
Director Viatcheslav Ekimov in the qualification heat 3.
Riders ready for the "Loser's Final."
Director Alain Gallopin
Popo and Klodi cheering on the "Loser's Final"
A risk whenever you are racing, Eki has a crash. Eki was hit by dangerous Italian driver (and soigneur) Elvio Barcella who was forced to abandon.
No hard feelings - Elvio and Eki are friends again.
Big risks in the final: Riders Muravyev, Monserez and Rovny struggle to make passes.
Directors keeping a close eye on rider's tactics. Unfortunately radios were banned in this race.
Rosseler (24) fights back
Muravyev wins sprint ahead of Rosseler and Rast
Dmitriy Murayev takes his first victory of the 2011 season.
The final podium: Murayev (1), Rosseler (2) and Rast (3)
Photo credits: Viatcheslav Ekimov and Philippe Maertens
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