Calpe Training Camp: The Rest Day
What does a Rest Day for Team RadioShack even mean? It definitely did not mean sleeping until noon and a day in pajamas. And, it definitely did not mean bikes collected dust, untouched in the Big Rig. Rest Day simply meant there was no mandatory training ride.
Most bikes enjoyed some quality time with their rider on an hour or two spin. The guys referred to this as a “Coffee Ride”…Or that’s how I’ve translated it to English. Accustomed to the waking up at the same time each morning, riders sat lounging around the breakfast table around 9:00am. On days like this there are definite luxuries. With legs kicked up on chairs and newspapers scattered about, morning chatter was more relaxed and cheerful.
Meanwhile, soigneurs were out getting the bikes, bottles and food ready for the day. Soin…what, some of you ask? For those unfamiliar with this French term, a soigneur ("swen-YUR") is an integral part to every professional team’s staff. The word translates to mean “welfare man.” In Team RadioShack world, this translates to “couldn’t function without you.” Soigneurs are responsible for caring for our riders’ food preparation, transportation, and physical therapy.
Hours before riders rise and shine, soigneurs are out at the trailer preparing bottles and food for the day’s ride. After they prep and pack the day’s nourishment, it’s time to switch over to laundry detail. Thankfully if they are looking at a heavy load, washer and dryers are only a four-foot walk away from their home base. The unit is conveniently built directly into the Big Rig. As rider’s return from a day’s ride, soigneurs can hand them clean clothes on the spot.
You’d think the five-star service could end here, but it only becomes more specialized. These “jacks of all trades” massage riders on a daily basis. This reigns as their most important responsibility as a cyclist’s physical recovery relies heavily on massage therapy. A big “thanks” goes out to our soigneurs for everything they do. We’d be lost (sore, dirty and malnourished) without.
As previously mentioned, the guys set off on their “Coffee Ride.” About half the guys headed toward town to find a local café. The easy ride is an ideal way to loosen up your legs, all while stopping to enjoy the local scene, and coffee, in Calpe.
Back at the hotel, things definitely quieted down. Most riders retreat to their rooms to watch movies, read, or surf the internet. The big, comfy couches in the lobby see to be a favorite “crash” spot for Sam Bewley, Matthew Busche, Bjorn Selander and Markel Irizar.
We’re off to another team dinner, but as you will see from the picture below…It might not be as festive as last night’s. As one birthday would be enough to throw a party, we had the pleasure of celebrating four: riders Tomas Vaitkus and Markel Irizar, soigneur Geert Tiebergijn , AND last but not least, Eki! It was too bad they couldn’t be with their families on their birthdays, but you better believe Team RadioShack made sure our celebration was the next best thing. As the “men of the hour” were presented birthday cake and well wishes, it was another night to remember in Calpe.
And just like that, Rest Day has come and gone. Goodnight from camp! Sunrise and another six-hour bike ride will be here soon enough…
Alain and Beppu talk shop
Nike LIVESTRONG Lunar Glide
Ben Hermans makes some adjustments
Bjorn Selander recovering from the past three days
Sam Bewley and Bjorn Selander enjoying their rest day
CTS's Dean Golich talks shop with SRAM's Alex Wassmann
Dimitry Muravyev is ready to go find some coffee
Directors meeting
Elvio making drinks
Jani Brajkovic hanging out with SRAM's Alex Wassman
Jani getting ready for a light day
Johan meeting with Duffy and Eki
Markel Irizar kicking his feet up
Elvio and Nino
Now that's how you mix bottles
Rest day lunch...look at the smiles!
Riders street wear waiting for the return
Sergio Paulinho looks cold this morning
Soigneurs making the bottles for the day
SRAM's Alex Wassmann talks with team director Jose Acevedo
Sweet new Team RadioShack Nike AutoForce 180 Mids
Team mechanics Geoff Brown and Alan Buttler relaxing for a bit
Team RadioShack clothing ready and waiting
Team RadioShack enjoys a coffee on the rest day
Team RadioShack staff taking a day off
Tomas Vaitkus putting shoe covers on for a cool morning recovery ride
TREK bottles ready and waiting
Vaitkus, Irizar, Eki, Tiebe Celebrate
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