Army training for Phonak riders

Swiss ProTour team Phonak has six of its riders in a military training program over the European wintertime. Martin Elmiger, Steve Morabito, Aurélien Clerc, Sascha Urweider, Steve Zampieri and Gregory Rast are working out at the elite sportsmen recruit school in Macolin, Switzerland, to keep in shape for next year.

"This military service gives us the basis for success in the coming season," said Steve Zampieri, happy to be enrolled in the inaugural Swiss army project. The training sessions involve cross country skiing, mountain biking and muscle training. "These conditions allow the necessary workout for this time of year," said directeur sportif René Savary when he came to see his riders.

Team Phonak will return to official training on January 9, 2006, when the squad will fly to Balearic island Mallorca for its first cycling camp.