T-Mobile Women's Team enjoying first training camp

The newly founded T-Mobile women's team is currently at its first ever training camp on Mallorca, and according to sporting director Andrzej Bek, "The riders are all committed, and, if at all, have to be held back in their enthusiasm." Bek noted that the riders first met at a team-building session in the off-season. "I could tell then and there that the chemistry within the team was right," he added.

Bek also found out that directing a women's team is not more difficult than directing a men's team, only different. "Women are very sensitive, emotional and need to be addressed more sensitively. You have to treat each rider individually and look for the right way to put your ideas across," he said.

T-Mobile's ladies received their new Giant bikes for the first time on Sunday. "They are sensational," Bek added. "It doubles the fun. The women are absolutely delighted with them, they've never had it so good."

The team's schedule includes the Geelong Tour in Australia and the World Cup race there in February, followed by the Tour of New Zealand and another World Cup race in March. "After that we return to Europe and make our debut on the continent at the 'Primavera,' Milan-San Remo on March 18."

Courtesy of Susan Westemeyer