The Countdown to La Vuelta: Inside the Lotto Cycling Team’s Race Readiness
As the world of cycling gears up for one of its most exciting events, La Vuelta, the Lotto Cycling Team is buzzing with energy and anticipation. Just two days before the race kicks off in Italy, every member of this eight-man squad knows that preparation is key. From fine-tuning bikes to strategizing over meals, it’s a race against the clock to get everything in place.
48 Hours Out: The Calm Before the Storm
Nestled in a cozy hotel on the outskirts of Turin, Italy, the Lotto team has settled in for a crucial 48 hours of preparations. After a refreshing three-hour tempo ride, riders reconnect and share stories as excitement swells in the air. Their mechanics, meanwhile, are hard at work tending to their prized possessions—sorting through spare bikes, cleaning gears, and ensuring everything is race-ready.
This year, Lotto is riding the high-tech Orbea bikes, including the Orca and Orca Aero models. The team’s collaboration with Orbea allows for on-the-spot feedback from engineers who are eager to enhance performance. As Enol Costakes from Orbea puts it, “Having multiple bikes and wheels isn’t just extra; it’s insurance against the unexpected things that happen during a race,” like crashes or flat tires.
42 Hours to Go: Fueling Up
With adrenaline still flowing, the team gathers for a meal uniquely prepared to meet their dietary needs. Chef Sean Fowler takes on the vital role of providing healthy meals that keep the riders energized. For the entire duration of La Vuelta, the team will rely solely on his cooking, ensuring their bodies are perfectly fueled for the grueling stages ahead.
While a tight-knit group of mechanics, soigneurs (a fancy term for soigneuring experts), and directors ensure that bikes are tuned and strategies are set, riders enjoy massages and some well-deserved rest. “Two days before a race is extremely important,” says experienced sprinter Elia Viviani, emphasizing the need for mental and physical relaxation.
26 Hours Out: Recon Time
As breakfast fuels the team for a jam-packed day ahead, they load up their bikes and vehicles for a reconnaissance ride covering the last 80 kilometers of Stage 1. This stage is crucial, particularly for Viviani, who is on target for a potential stage win.
Without a general classification rider, Lotto focuses solely on stage victories, a perfect strategy for their balanced team. “We know the stakes, and we’re ready to win stages,” sports director Mario Aerts explains, solidifying their determined mindset.
The Final Countdown: Moments Before the Start
With everything from bike washes to kit fitting ticked off the list, anticipation continues to build. As the day of the race approaches, the Lotto team participates in a vibrant presentation in Turin’s city center, where they bask in cheers from enthusiastic fans.
The excitement of the crowd is palpable as riders take the stage one by one, soaking in the moment before the race begins. But underneath the surface, there’s a shared sentiment among the cyclists—an understanding of the hard work it took to arrive at this point and the challenges that lay ahead.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
As the countdown ticks down and nerves intensify, Viviani reflects on the pressure and camaraderie that defines cycling. Whether you’re a pro or riding for fun, every cyclist knows the thrill of anticipation before a big challenge.
So, as La Vuelta kicks off, let’s cheer for the Lotto Cycling Team, appreciating the dedication, teamwork, and love for cycling that draws us all in. Remember, every ride is more than just a race; it’s about the journey, the joy, and the passion for pedaling toward our dreams. Keep cycling, and who knows? You might find your own moment in the spotlight!
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