RadioShack Nissan Trek Camp: Welcome to Calpe, Spain...
Welcome…Bienvenue, Wëllkom, Ongi Etorri, Velkommen, Welkom, Willkommen, Benvenuti, Greuzi, dobro pojalovat, Bem Vindo, or as the locals say…“Bienvenidos” to RadioShack Nissan Trek team camp in Calpe, Spain.
That’s “welcome” in the 13 different languages spoken by RadioShack Nissan Trek. On Monday, we did just that -- welcomed riders to the first official day training camp. With all but two riders present, a good atmosphere was immediately established. [The team is wishing both Markel Irizar and Joost Posthuma a fast recovery. Irizar was involved in a training accident, while Posthuma is overcoming illness. Both are expected to join camp and complete the RadioShack Nissan Trek roster by the end of the week.]
With 14 different nationalities represented, our team is one of the most diverse sporting teams in the world. Arriving Sunday, some riders battled “jet lag” traveling from hometowns as far away as New Zealand and California. The team used the first night to reconnect with old teammates, but more importantly get acquainted with the new over a casual dinner and beer. Alas, starting Monday morning alarm clocks rang early and the team set out a "casual" four-hour training ride to loosen the legs.
Check out the photos from the first two days of team camp below.
Photo Credits: Glenn Kasin and Tim Vanderjeugd
The two Andy's (Schleck and Klöden) talk about the season ahead with General Manager Johan Bruyneel.
Director José Azevedo talks with neo-pro George Bennett (NZL). At 21-years-old, Bennett joins the team from Axel Merckx's Trek-LIVESTRONG Under-23 devleopment team.
For training rides, the team spilt in to two training groups of 14 to maximize efforts and efficiency.
Luxembourgian national champion Frank Schleck makes some minor adjustments with mechanic Frank Kristensen.
The first days of camp prove the most critical for mechanic and sponsors, as riders are introduced to new product and innovations, or make minor adjustments to current positioning. Pictured here, Oliver Zaugg with mechanic Pepinho Santos.
Jakob Fuglsang is already practicing his modeling for the January 2012 team presentation.
Both Trek-LIVESTRONG alums, George Bennett, left, and Ben King, right, pack their jerseys with gels and bars for the day's ride.
Nelson Oliveira begins his 2012 season with a lot to smile about, crowned the Portuguese national time trial champion in September 2011.
American Ben King, right, is back and ready for another season.
The parking lot featured a sea of Team RadioShack and Leopard Trek jerseys. Riders are contractually obligated to wear their current team's clothing until December 31, 2011.
Beyond the shades of red, black and green, some riders join RadioShack Nissan Trek from other ProTour teams. Including Frenchman Tony Gallopin of Cofidis pictured above.
Mechanic Rune Kristensen swaps stems for newcomer Laurent Didier (LUX).
Fabian Cancellara's custom "Spartacus" Trek Madone lays in waiting. The Swiss champion was feeling "under the weather" today so was directed to rest for Day Two at camp.
Transitioning to a Trek Madone, New Zealand road race champion Hayden Roulston is ready to ride after a fitting with Trek Bikes team liasion Jordan Roesingh.
Kiwi Jesse Sergent finished his first year in the ProTour ranks with an unbelievable three victories.
Veteran meets neo-pro: former world champion Fabian Cancellara gets acquainted with Kiwi George Bennett.
American national champion Matthew Busche makes some minor lever adjustments before the training ride.
Along with most riders, Tiago Machado uses December camp to test and fit new shoes.
Popo suits up.
Good morning, Fabian. The Swiss national champion preps his rain bag for the day. Although the sunny kies have thus far promised perfect training weather.
Jesse Sergent and director Dirk Demol discussing the route for the day.
Luxembourgish national champion Frank Schleck hydrates pre-ride.
Haimar Zubeldia examines his new Trek Madone 6.9 SSL training bike.
Third-year teammates Andreas Klöden (left) and Chris Horner (right) reunite, last seeing each other at the 2011 Tour de France.
Yaroslav "Popo" Popovych's bike awaiting his arrival.
The one and only, Jens Voigt back. At the age of 40, the Jensie shows no signs of slowing down.
A very busy site for the next week - the hotel in Calpe is also hosting training camps for Astana, Cofidis, Ag2r and the Leopard Trek Continental team.
Photo Credits: Glenn Kasin and Tim Vanderjeugd
advertisement
GET EMAIL UPDATES
Receive emails packed with the latest news, video and exclusive photos covering Team RadioShack.
TEAM RADIOSHACK'S TWITTER UPDATES
Vuelta a Andalucía Ruta Ciclista del Sol, Stage 3
- Race Recap: "Measuring the meters" http://t.co/UEBkQKHW #RSNT
Another picture reached us from the Muscat
Municipality photographer: @joostposthuma teaches
a boy how to ride a bike. http://t.co/3nY6vCfH
Recap: Vuelta a Andalucía Ruta Ciclista del Sol -
Queen Stage: "Good Test for @schleckfrank " http://t.co/gAVP9WeY #RSNT
Fränk Schleck takes fourth place in the summit
finish stage at #rutadelsol Alejandro Valverde
wins and is leading the GC now.
Check out this video! “@jmschaffer: Nissan puts
the pedal down in expanding backing of a pro
cycling team: http://t.co/AHlV1YQe”
