Because of a mid 90′s internet connection here at the Western Motel in Gunnison, CO I could only share a very abbreviated post. I hear that high speed internet has made its way to Aspen, CO where we will be tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for a proper post!
Please Read & Help!
This entire week I’m providing a behind the scenes look at one of America’s greatest bike races to raise awareness for the Davis Phinney Foundation and its mission to help people living with Parkinson’s Disease. If you enjoy any or all of this coverage, PLEASE consider MAKING A DONATION to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease, ‘Live Well’. Click Here To Donate and then click the ‘General Donation’ button. It is safe and secure. You can find all my coverage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge here.
#AskTedKing
If you haven’t asked Ted yet, you can find out how to here. (http://HOSSedia.com/AskTedKing)
@iamtedking #asktedking How crucial is your road support crew to the success of your ride?
We really couldn’t do what we do without support out on the road. Stopping at gas stations every hour for drinks and food rather than visiting the feed zone is a bit too much of a throw back to racing a century ago than I’d prefer. Plus cyclists are pretty weak in the upper body, so the mere thought of pumping tires leaves us winded. And you don’t want to see a cyclist massaging another cyclist. Again, too much upper body work at play. Truly, staff is instrumental in support. Mechanics and soigneurs are two of the most underrated jobs in this business.
@iamtedking #asktedking When you are facing yet another tough climb, how do you keep yourself going strong?
A huge chunk of racing is mental. Staying in the game (ahem, keep on trucking when the pace is blitzingly fast) or checking out and hanging in the groupetto is often as much of a mental test as it is physical. Not always, but often. Anyway, one of the biggest things is breathing hard and often before the climb. Be sure you’ve eaten well ahead of the climb so you’re not going to see that recently consumed bar going up instead of down. Chug a few sips of whatever you’re drinking too. Position is half the battle and it’s often a big fight to get the best position. Fight before you’re at the base of the climb rather than the first few kilometers – cause that’s hard. In general the first quarter of the climb is the hardest, so suck it up and keep rolling. It’s (hopefully) going to get easier!
#AskTedKing How much latitude do you have in training and nutrition vs following what the team wants you to do?
Latitude, eh? We have roughly between the Equator and first parallel north and the Prime Meridian and 45 degrees east.
OR, this answer is often answered on a team-by-team basis. Keeping riders in a good mental state is as important as anything, and since riding, resting, eating, and repeating is the name of the game in cycling, having a good variety of delicious/healthy/err… fun food is crucial. Variety is the spice of life, folks! A similar story occurs with training. Some teams have a coach for all the riders while others allow more leeway for riders to work with whichever coach they choose. In general there’s a good amount of oversight from teams so that we riders are on the right path. At the same time, though, the sport is so self-motivating that we’re not the kind of folks to slack off. Eating right and training right is a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Love the shot of the lead pack with the fisheye!