Team Training Camps

2008 - 2009 Summary

Keep informed about all information related to professional cycling team training camps as teams prepare for the 2009 road season. Check back often for the latest feature articles, news briefs, tech information, video and photographs related to teams' pre-season activities.

Latest additions February 3, 2009 CSF Group-Navigare: News Saxo Bank: Tech & photos February 2, 2009 Barloworld: News January 30, 2009 Elk Haus: News January 26, 2009 BMC Racing: News January 24, 2009 Lampre: News Quick Step: Photos January 22, 2009 Contentpolis AMPO: News & photos

AG2R-La Mondiale:   News  Photos
Astana:   Features  News  Photos
Barloworld:   News
BMC Racing:   News
Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce:   News
Cervélo Test Team:   News  Photos
Colavita-Sutter Home:   News
Contentpolis AMPO:   News
CSF Group-Navigare:   News
Elk Haus:   News
ESGL-93 GSD Gestion:   News  Photos
Garmin-Slipstream:   Features  News  Tech  Video  Photos
Katusha:   News  Photos
Lampre:   News
Liquigas:   News  Photos
OUCH p/b Maxxis:   News
Paredes Rota dos Móveis:   News
Quick Step:   News
Rabobank:   News
Saxo Bank:   Features  News   Tech  Video  Photos
Silence-Lotto:   News
Team Columbia:   News  Photos
Team Milram:   News
Thüringer Energie:   News
Trek/Livestrong:   News
Xacobeo Galicia:   News  Photos

Garmin-Slipstream trains in Boulder
Photo ©: Slipstream Sports

AG2R-La Mondiale

News

December 24, 2008: Roche settles in at AG2R-La Mondiale

Photos

December 24, 2008: AG2R - La Mondiale team camp in Le Temple-sur-Lot, France

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Stephen McMahon

• AG2R - La Mondiale Cycling Team held their winter training camp at the Centre Omnisports on the outskirts of the historic village of Le Temple-sur-Lot in the Lot-et-Garonne region of France.
• The Centre Omnisports also hosted a winter training camp for some of the French national rowing squad who braved the cold waters of the River Lot.
• A steady stream of riders made their way from the accommodation block after the training session, dropping off their bikes in the service area en route to the team headquarters.
• Poor weather conditions meant that the mechanics were kept busy.
• The AG2R - La Mondiale mechanics worked in tandem to get through the workload.
• Each mount got a thorough scrubbing and rinse.
• Back in the workshop each bike was checked over and upgraded with new kit for the 2009 season.
• These frames will doubtlessly see their fair share of action during the 2009 season.
• The finished article. Nicolas Roche’s BH G4.
• Irish rider Nicolas Roche is looking forward to the 2009 season with AG2R - La Mondiale.
• A well wrapped up Nicolas Roche
• Signing with AG2R - La Mondiale was the beginning of a new chapter in the professional career of Nicolas Roche.

Astana

Features

December 10, 2008: Bruyneel brings Astana back strong for 2009
December 8, 2008: A winning formula once again?
December 5, 2008: Armstrong: Contador is still the best

News

December 8, 2008: Armstrong climbs Teide, Contador debuts in Italy
December 6, 2008: Rast on life with Armstrong
December 5, 2008: Armstrong considers Tour of Ireland
December 5, 2008: Astana’s super-domestiques content
December 5, 2008: Astana meets the press
December 4, 2008: Horner unites with Armstrong despite past differences
December 3, 2008: Armstrong and Contador ride separate paths towards Tour
December 3, 2008: Cops stop ‘topless’ Horner
December 2, 2008: Armstrong surfs with Astana
December 2, 2008: Astana trains in Tenerife
November 30, 2008: Motivated Contador ready for Astana team training camp
November 27, 2008: Armstrong and Contador to train together next week

Photos

December 10, 2008: Bruyneel brings Astana back stronger for 2009

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Belgian Johan Bruyneel re-shaped Team Astana from the fall of 2007 onwards.
• Johan Bruyneel looks on during press conference with Lance Armstrong on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong with Alberto Contador at the team's training camp.
• Two champions: Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador. They both will need to be handled carefully by Johan Bruyneel.

Images by Pete Goding Photography/www.petegodingphotography.com

• Spain's Alberto Contador in the middle of old pals, Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel.
• A deserved smile from Johan Bruyneel.
• Americans Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer train together in Spain.

December 8, 2008: Astana 2009 preview, Tenerife, Spain

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Images by Luca Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Alberto Contador remains with Astana despite suggestions he was looking for an escape from his contract
• Germany's Andreas Klöden has been in the shadows despite attracting billing as a star performer
• Armstrong and Popovych are reunited and the Ukranian has expressed his delight with that fact
• The stars of the show as 'the band gets back together' - Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong

December 8, 2008: Team Astana trains in Tenerife, Spain

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Luca Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Yaroslav Popovych is all smiles. The Ukrainian will join Team Astana for 2009.
• Alberto Contador, Lance Armstrong and Andreas Klöden stand for a photo, l-r.
• Astana riders Alberto Contador, Lance Armstrong and Andreas Klöden ready to start their day, l-r.
• Meet the press, Alberto Contador, Lance Armstrong and Andreas Klöden, l-r.
• Grand Tour greats, Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong, team up for 2009. Pictured with German Andreas Klöden, l-r.
• Lance Armstrong teams up with Andreas Klöden for the first time in 2009, l-r.
• Lance Armstrong asks for directions.
• Alberto Contador smiles for the press
• Lance Armstrong
• Lance Armstrong trains on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong heads out for a ride.
• USA's Lance Armstrong on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong
• All smiles: Lance Armstrong.
• Lance Armstrong leads his Astana teammates for the start of a training ride.
• Back in black: Lance Armstrong.
• Andreas Klöden ready for a day of training on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Spaniard Alberto Contador.
• Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong rides in the group.
• Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador lead the Astana team, l-r.
• Lance Armstrong at the head of Team Astana.
• Spain's Alberto Contador calls for water.
• Lance Armstrong looks up the road.
• Alberto Contador
• Lance Armstrong
• Lance Armstrong with Alberto Contador, l-r.
• Andreas Klöden rides with Alberto Contador, l-r.
• Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador head the group, l-r.
• Old teammates, Yaroslav Popovych and Lance Armstrong, joke about during a training ride.
• Alberto Contador seeming pointing to Lance Armstrong, l, to 'take a hike.'
• The Astana team heads out for the mountains.
• Astana on the Spanish island of Tenerife.

December 5, 2008: Astana in Tenerife

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Images by Pete Goding Photography/www.petegodingphotography.com

• Levi Leipheimer looked relaxed with most of the pressure on his teammates.
• Alberto Contador was a popular subject for reporters questions.
• Lance Armstrong takes a photo of the assembled press.
• Photographers have Armstrong in focus along with Alberto Contador, Johan Bruyneel and team spokesman Philippe Maertens.
• Lance Armstrong wears the Livestrong brand wherever he goes.
• The press was out in numbers for the Team Astana press conference, mainly due to the presence of one Lance Armstrong.
• Lance Armstrong says he feels OK "for an old guy".
• Lance Armstrong
• The assembled press dwarfs the riders in sharp contrast to last year's press conference
• Armstrong, Contador and Bruyneel react to reporters' questions.
• A serious moment for Alberto Contador.
• Lance Armstrong tells the press he'll ride for the strongest man in the Tour.
• 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador
• The cameraman films Contador as he answers reporters' questions.
• Andreas Klöden
• Andreas Klöden and Levi Leipheimer answer questions with Johan Bruyneel looking on.
• Johan Bruyneel looking quite happy with the way things are going.

Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel are back together like in the old days.
• A smile for the camera as the media interest was a lot more than last season.
• It's the Astana camp but Livestrong will undoubtedly benefit in 2009.
• Armstrong admitted to have to deal with annoying questions isn't his favourite thing to do, but "you just deal with it and move on."
• Armstrong shoots back to get his memory pictures from the media representatives.
• Armstrong documents the Astana conference.
• Mr. Livestrong is confident for 2009.
• Armstrong spent over an hour answering all questions.
• Armstrong and Contador have no trouble with each other and demonstrated with a hand shake.
• Most teams would be jealous to have just one of those two in the line-up.
• Armstrong is prepared to ride for the strongest and obey the laws of cycling.
• Contador has only one goal for 2009 and that is the Tour de France.

Images by John Pierce/Photosport International

• Lance Armstrong with the then popular helmet in the 1992 Tour of Ireland.
• Lance Armstrong puts his shades in his back pocket to get to work.

December 2, 2008: Team Astana training camp

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Images by AFP Photo

• Spaniard and triple Grand Tour winner, Alberto Contador, at the Astana training camp in Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong ready for a training ride on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• USA's Lance Armstrong during a training ride with Astana teammates.
• Lance Armstrong looks on at the start of a training ride with Team Astana.
• Lance Armstrong rides with Astana teammates Janez Brajkovic, José Luis Rubiera and Alberto Contador, l-r.
• Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in Tenerife, Spain, for a team training camp.
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer on a training ride at the Team Astana camp.
• Team Astana on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong trains during his first team camp after announcing his comeback to cycling.
• USA's Lance Armstrong with Janez Brajkovic.
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer lead. Yaroslav Popovych rides behind the seven-time Tour de France winner.
• Taking note: Lance Armstrong points out during a training ride on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
• Texan Lance Armstrong heads out for the waves of Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong takes surfing lessons as part of a team bonding exercise..

Images by Pete Goding Photography/www.petegodingphotography.com

• Alberto Contador gives the thumbs up after a training ride with his Astana teammates.
• Alberto Contador amidst the press at the Astana training camp in Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong's got a map so he and his Astana teammates don't get lost on Tenerife.
• Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer ride at the front of the Astana team paceline.
• Lance Armstrong definitely worked hard during the Astana team training rides.
• Lance Armstrong leads his Astana teammates down a sinuous descent on Tenerife.
• Astana climbs the hills in Tenerife during its first training camp for the 2009 season.
• Exposure for Livestrong is guaranteed even if Armstrong doesn't win the next Tour de France.
• The Astana training camp resembles one of the many races the team dominated in 2008.
• Alberto Contador is back on the bike after taking a timeout for a minor surgery.

Barloworld

News

February 2, 2009: Impey delivers podium spot ahead of Barloworld training camp
January 5, 2009: Barloworld focuses on team time trial

BMC Racing

News

January 26, 2009: Lelangue pleased with BMC training camp
January 8, 2009: Lelangue readies for BMC training camp

Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce

News

December 1, 2008: Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce holding team camp

Cervélo Test Team

News

January 19, 2009: Sastre content with new setup
January 18, 2009: Hammond encouraged by Cervèlo mood
January 15, 2009: Cervélo Test Team launch and training camp
December 22, 2008: Deignan motivated by team change

Photos

January 19, 2009: Cervélo Test Team training camp

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Blue skies, white walls, olive tree. The day brought mild weather and thoughts of summer.
• 2008 Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre, sitting at the back of the group.
• Sastre seemed some way off his top form, but it's a long way until his targets.
• The Cervélo Test Team during the training ride.
• The group was out for a total of five hours, one of which was on the time trial machines.
• Carlos Sastre rolls along.
• Teammate Martin Reimer, under blue skies.
• Andreas Klier and Simon Gerrans are aiming big in 2008
• Tour de France stage winner Thor Hushovd.
• Thor Hushovd has a very strong lead-out this year, which he will believe is stronger than that of his rivals.
• Hayden Roulston, Heinrich Haussler and Xavier Florencio, r-l, towards the end of the ride.
• Irish rider Philp Deignan and Thor Hushovd, r-l, both coming from French teams.
• Thor Hushovd was with Credit Agricole while Deignan raced with Ag2r.
• Dominique Rollin leads Sastre.
• Carlos Sastre has been praised by his teammates for being very down to earth and helpful to younger riders.
• The group travels along a quiet country road.
• Heinrich Haussler and Hayden Roulston lead the group.
• Ted King and Ignatas Konovalovas, r-l, get to know each other.
• Riders head through a small Portuguese town.
• The weather was far better than that of earlier in the week, making for a more enjoyable day in the saddle.
• Joaquín Novoa and Oscar Pujol, r-l, are two of the Spaniards on the team.
• Dominique Rollin is said to be in good form.
• Thor Hushovd is aiming for a strong showing in the Classics.
• Thor Hushovd in the centre of Jeremy Hunt and Hayden Roulsten, l & r. They are nearing the end of the first part of their training ride.
• Once back to the team hotel, the riders switched to these TT bikes and headed out for another hour.
• The riders were enthusing about the bikes, several saying they were faster than what they had been riding with other teams.
• Carlos Sastre rolls in to the hotel.
• Spaniard Carlos Sastre fiddled around with his bike computer...
• Carlos Sastre.
• Spain's Carlos Sastre has improved as a time trialist, as evidenced by his Tour-winning performance last July.
• Carlos Sastre was followed by plenty of cameras today. His life has changed somewhat since winning the Tour.
• Irish rider Philip Deignan, well rested and looking forward to a good season.
• Philip Deignan is likely to ride the Giro d'Italia and, depending on how that goes, may ride his first Tour.
• Thor Hushovd refuels prior to the TT training.
• Norwegian Thor Hushovd has won stages and the green Jersey at the Tour de France.
• Briton Roger Hammond has moved from Columbia to Cervélo. He's aiming for the Classics once again.
• Roger Hammond finished third in the Paris-Roubaix; it remains his career highlight.
• Briton Jeremy Hunt will be of great assistance to Hushovd when it comes to the closing stages.
• Daniel Lloyd comes to the squad from the An Post M. Donnelly Sean Kelly team.
• Daniel Lloyd seems pleased with things thus far.
• Carlos Sastre waits for the start of the time trial session.
• Spain's Carlos Sastre was in a relaxed mood, being as calm as ever.
• The riders wait with their TT bikes.
• Oscar Pujol was enjoying the sun.
• The media and riders mingle outside the team hotel.

Colavita-Sutter Home

News

January 19, 2009: Colavita ends successful camp in San Luis

Contentpolis AMPO

News

January 22, 2009: First training camp for Contentpolis AMPO in 2009
January 5, 2009: Contentpolis AMPO targets Vuelta a España in 2009

Photos

January 22, 2009: First training camp for Contentpolis AMPO in 2009

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Images by Antonio J. Salmerón

• The Contentpolis AMPO team for 2009. an autograph.
• JavierBenítez is ready for the season.
• Julián Sánchez Pimienta with the team's bike of choice – Ridley it is.
• Manuel Vázquez gets ready to be interviewed.
• The Ridley Excalibur of Contentpolis AMPO.

CSF Group-Navigare

News

February 3, 2009: CSF Group-Navigare with busy season opening
December 23, 2008: CSF Group-Navigare holds team camp

Elk Haus

News

January 30, 2009: Elk Haus to Mallorca for training and racing

ESGL-93 GSD Gestion

News

January 8, 2009: Team ESGL-93 GSD Gestion aiming high for 2009

Photos

January 8, 2009: Team ESGL-93 GSD Gestion

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Images by ESGL Cyclisme

• ESGL-93 GSD Gestion is named the best team in France in 2008.
• The ESGL-93 GSD Gestion team bonds at a training camp in Chambery, France.
• Nathalie Cadol, Beatrice Thomas, Christine Majerus, Leda Cox of the ESGL-93 GSD Gestion team.
• Leda Cox wins the final round of the French Cup in 2008.

Garmin-Slipstream

Features

November 25, 2008: Garmin launch: Winning is the word

News

December 4, 2008: Danielson looks forward to ‘good pressure’ in 2009
November 24, 2008: Boulder honors Slipstream with argyle bike racks

Tech

November 24, 2008: Getting fit with Christian Vande Velde

Video

November 24, 2008: Christian Vande Velde pre-wind tunnel prep

Photos

November 25, 2008: Garmin launch

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Images by Slipstream Sports

• Magnus Backstedt makes some adjustments
• Swede Magnus Backstedt rides with his new Garmin mates.
• David Zabriskie, l, leads the way on the group's outing.
• Tom Danielson and Michael Friedman on the front.
• Garmin executive Jon Cassat
• Svein Tuft, r, heads out with his new teammates for a hike.
• Off the bike, but on the trails for Team Garmin.
• Daniel Martin gets dialled in with the help of Dr. Allen Lim, l.
• Trent Lowe is looking aero.
• Daniel Martin checks the fit with Dr. Allen Lim looking on.
• The group headed by Martyn Maaskant, l.
• The Garmin riders do some homework.
• The Garmin team out for a ride in Colorado.
• Team Garmin rides on the roads around its base of Boulder, Colorado.
• Svein Tuft looks in deep thought as he takes part in his new team's training camp.
• Doug Ellis, r, speaks with General Manager Jonathan Vaughters.
• Jonathan Vaughters prepares to ride with his boys.
• Britain's Bradley Wiggins
• Bradley Wiggins will put more focus on the road for 2009.
• Steven Cozza displays some welts acquired during shirtless paintball.
• David Millar is ready to play paintball with his teammates.

Images by Mia Sullivan Watts

• Bradley Wiggins reflects on the switch from Team Columbia.

November 24, 2008: Christian Vande Velde pre-wind tunnel prep

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Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com

• Christian Vande Velde warms up in preparation for his fit session using the new Retül 3-D motion capture system.
• Active LED markers are placed at key locations on the body…
• …and their 3-D location is recorded with this standalone sensor array to a claimed 1mm resolution.
• Vande Velde's old Oval Concepts aero bar incorporated 80mm of drop from stem clamp to base bar grips.
• However, his new 3T Brezza uses a level base bar, thus presenting some difficulties in replicating the position.
• Vande Velde's Felt DA front end could accommodate the Oval Concepts setup without too much trouble.
• The 3T bar required an extra stem segment to get it low enough for wind tunnel testing. Ultimately, a custom stem and/or fork modification is in order.
• Garmin-Chipotle team physiologist Allen Lim and physical therapist - and bicycle coach - Curtis Cramblett take some measurements the old-fashioned way.
• On the other hand, Retül's new Zin wand uses the system's precise spatial location functionality to characterize bicycle setup more accurately and completely.
• In addition to the usual array of bicycle hard points, the new Retül Zin wand can even record surface contours such as lever hoods and saddle shapes.
• This is what you get once a bike is fully characterized.
• Allen Lim and Jim Felt look on intently as Vande Velde is set up.

Katusha

News

January 5, 2009: Bodrogi progresses ahead of next Katusha camp
January 2, 2009: Katusha plans second training camp
December 12, 2008: Katusha's on display in Italy

Photos

January 2, 2009: Katusha’s second training camp

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Italy's Filippo Pozzato in his new Katusha kit.
• Belgian Gert Steegmans in Katusha colours.
• Filippo Pozzato on the beach in Italy.
• Italian sprinter Danilo Napolitano ready to start a winning season with Katusha.
• Team Katusha line up on the beach. Filippo Pozzato, Vladimir Karpets, Christian Pfannberger, Danilo Napolitano, Serguei Ivanov, l-r from 2nd left.
• Gert Steegmans ready to ride in his Team Katusha kit.
• Team Katusha
• Gert Steegmans leads Filippo Pozzato.
• Laszlo Bodrogi in his new Team Katusha kit.
• Gert Steegmans talks with his teammates.
• Filippo Pozzato and Gert Steegmans, l-r, have a chat.

December 12, 2008: Katusha team camp in Marina di Bibbona, Italy

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Katusha's new jersey on display at the team's camp in Marina di Bibbona, Italy.
• Katusha goes off road in Marina di Bibbona, Italy, to display its new kit.
• Russian Pavel Brutt continues with the team, which formed out of Tinkoff Credit Systems.
• Directeur Sportif Andre Tchmil
• Mikhail Ignatiev on the beach of the Marina di Bibbona, Italy

Lampre

News

January 24, 2009: Gasparotto comfortable in new Lampre colours

Liquigas

News

December 4, 2008: Pellizotti faces Giro and Tour in 2009
December 3, 2008: Basso chooses mountains over surfing

Photos

December 3, 2008: Ivan Basso in the mountains

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• Ivan Basso gets in some 'snow miles' during his a Liquigas training camp
• Ivan Basso showed he's no snow bunny when he took a Cannondale MTB machine in the white stuff
• Basso's no Simoni when it comes to off-road skills
• Basso gets back on his steed after another brief off in the snow
• Franco Pellizotti trains in Bibione, Italy, with Daniele Bennati, Ivan Basso, Roman Kreuziger and Vincenzo Nibali, r-l.
• Daniele Bennati has fun in the snow.
• Bennati all warmed up back in the hotel.
• Sprinter Bennati on the mountain bike.
• Bennati shows he knows how to handle a bike.
• Basso is looking forward to race in the peloton again.
• Vincenzo Nibali was rather cold and is looking forward to the first races in Spain.
• Basso tests the icy waters.
• Noè was transferred back to his childhood.
• Liquigas is obviously getting along pretty well.
• Attacks were quickly responded to as serious training was also part of the camp.
• Claudio Corioni launches a snow attack against Ivan Santaromita.
• The 2009 Liquigas team
• Riding uphill is extra tough when you add lots of snow.
• Ivan Basso uses snow shoes to get down.
• The racing was fierce to show the others that the off-season wasn't just spent eating.
• Roman Kreuziger gets a push from the 'fans'.
• That was the way to go (down)!
• The workouts were a lot of fun for everyone.
• Basso snow-shoed his way to the finish.
• Andrea Noè was well-prepared for the snow activities.
• Claudio Corioni was looking in vain for a ski lift.
• Corioni preferred the way down.
• Kreuziger gets help.
• Zaugg has a laugh as his teammates race up the hill.
• The mountain time trial was slippery and pushes were appreciated.
• Kjell Carlström looks elegant on skis.
• Carlström on the slopes.
• Vincenzo Nibali ends the descent on an elegant power slide.
• Bennati on his one for fits all.
• Daniel Oss on the mountain bike.
• Fabio Sabatini slides down.
• The training was fierce in the more intense moments.
• But there was time to relax and smile for the cameras.
• Ivan Santaromita did well but couldn't qualify for the winter Olympics.
• Daniele Bennati (r) and company rode up while the skiers preferred to take the lift.
• Bennati felt well on the MTB.
• Attack by Bennati! The Italian stormed out of the switch back
• Noè tries to keep control of himself.
• Vincenzo Nibali lost the control and crashed into the snow bank.

OUCH p/b Maxxis

News

December 13, 2008: Landis joins OUCH for a second training camp

Paredes Rota dos Móveis

News

December 22, 2008: Zaballa back to cyclo-cross preparation

Quick Step

News

January 16, 2009: Knee problem for Devolder
January 5, 2009: Quick Step season begins in Spain
December 15, 2008: Kevin Van Impe crashes at training camp

Photos

January 24, 2009: Quick Step training camp

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Images by AFP Photo

• Tom Boonen is hoping to take a third Paris-Roubaix

Images by QSI/Tim De Waele

• The 2009 Quick Step team
• The team out for a ride at its December training camp.
• Stijn Devolder has a little fun with the photographer.
• The team's Specialized bikes are ready for the 2009 season.
• Tom Boonen and the boys clock in some quality training.
• The Quick Step riders out for some miles at the team's camp in Spain in December.

Rabobank

News

December 18, 2008: De Groot breaks collarbone

Saxo Bank

Features

December 18, 2008: Cross-training with the pro

News

January 13, 2009: Saxo Bank get training
November 28, 2008: Mission accomplished for Saxo Bank-IT Factory
November 26, 2008: Boot camp time for Saxo professionals

Tech

February 3, 2009: The right fit: Shaping Saxo Bank

Video

January 18, 2009: Saxo Bank training camp in Mallorca

Photos

February 3, 2009: The right fit: Shaping Saxo Bank

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Stokes

• World time trial champion Fabian Cancellara during his assessment. Recently retired pro Bobby Julich is watching.
• The riders being examined are filmed from front and the side, giving a better picture of any anomalies or position adjustments needed.
• Julich watches while Andy Pruitt and Scott Holz discuss Cancellara's position.
• Pruitt takes some measurements.
• He was impressed by Cancellara's flexibility and strength.
• One way to determine if additional arch support is needed is to get the rider to stand on one leg...
• ...and then bend it, seeing if the knee strays inwards or continues to move only in a vertical direction.
• Holz, Bjarne Riis and Cancellara view the data.
• Andy Pruitt makes an adjustment to Lars Bak's bike. The Specialised stems contain an ingenious asimetrical shim which allows a wide range of angles.
• Bak and Bobby Julich talk during his assessment. Julich has a keen interest in bike fit, having had his position adjusted by Pruitt many years ago.
• Bak pedals under load, allowing the cameras to monitor his movement.
• He was previously sitting crooked on the bike, had a very rounded lower back and complained of groin pain.
• One very interesting consequence of raising his stem one centimetre was that his actual position became lower and more aerodynamic.
• Frank Schleck, being assessed by Pruitt.
• As was the case with most of the riders, number of adjustments were made.
• His saddle was raised slightly, with more to follow when he becomes more flexibile. His stem was also shortened, helping his upper body to relax.
• Although his time trial position is higher than before (as indicated by the yellow line), it is expected that he will be faster. He was previously too low to have been putting out full power.
• The bike belonging to his brother Andy Schleck undergoes some adjustments.
• Schleck is regarded as a strong contender for Tour win. Could it be this year? Time will tell.
• Schleck is watched closely.
• Riis gives his thoughts.
• Although Schleck also has limited flexibility, he is able to get fairly aero on the bike.
• Gustav Larson's position was raised two centimetres, opening up his leg angle and allowing him to put out more power.
• André Steensen had been experiencing pain in his neck and lower back. By shortening his stem by one centimetre, he became more relaxed.

January 13, 2009: Saxo Bank training camp

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Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• Bjarne Riis and Fabian Cancellara study BG FIT system data during the test.
• Andy Pruitt fine-tunes Frank Scheck's position at the Saxo Bank training camp in Majorca.

November 26, 2008: Team Saxo Bank-IT Factory camp

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Images by Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net

• The Saxo Bank riders are dropped off in cold waters.
• One by one the riders are kicked off the boat and into the water.
• Andy Schleck
• Team Manager Bjarne Riis enjoys the fall day with the 2009 squad.
• Brothers Fränk and Andy Schleck
• Andy Schleck fires off a few rounds during the Saxo Bank camp.
• Luxembourg's Andy Schleck checks the damage done.
• Andy Schleck squeezes off a few rounds in Denmark.
• The team works with a dog as part of its camp.
• Gustav Erik Larsson enjoys a relaxed moment.
• Matti Breschel comes to shore.
• Kurt-Asle Arvesen and Fabian Cancellara, l-r, have a rest.
• Fabian Cancellara
• Andy Schleck
• Fabian Cancellara keeps warm.
• German Jens Voigt runs out of the water.
• Bjarne Riis and team trainer BS Christiansen approach guns to be used in training.

Silence-Lotto

News

January 15, 2009: Silence-Lotto trains in Portugal
January 8, 2009: Gilbert sets major targets

Team Columbia

News

January 16, 2009: Rossner motivated for more
January 12, 2009: Kirchen building form
January 10, 2009: Grabsch content in Mallorca
December 7, 2008: Hincapie keeps sights set on Roubaix
December 3, 2008: Zabel zooms in for Cavendish
December 3, 2008: Gripper visits Columbia for anti-doping update
December 3, 2008: Team Columbia meets in Mallorca
December 3, 2008: Renshaw to make mark at Columbia

Photos

January 16, 2009: Team Columbia women’s team

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Shane Stokes/Cyclingnews.com

• German road race champion Luise Keller
• Luise Keller , 24, won two stages plus the overall classification in the Route de France last season.
• Swedish road race champion Emilia Fahlin, starting another year with the team.
• Another national champion: Linda Villumsen is wearing the Danish colours.
• Luise Keller shows off her own national jersey.
• Austrlian Kate Bates prior to a training ride.
• Dutchwoman Ellen Van Dijk is new to the team this year.
• Van Dijk won the world scratch race title in Manchester last season.
• Kate Bates, Ellen Van Dijk and Emilia Fahlin immediately before the start of their training.
• Petra Rossner is in charge of the women's team this year.

December 3, 2008: Erik Zabel at Columbia camp

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Daniel Benson/Cyclingnews.com

• A smiling Erik Zabel rides in his blue outfit but it will Columbia rather than Milram next year.
• Hincapie puts on his cycling shoes next to Zabel.
• Erik Zabel and Bob Stapleton are talking 2009 business.

December 3, 2008: Team Columbia training camp

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Daniel Benson/Cyclingnews

• Scott is the new bicycle sponsor of Team Columbia for the 2009 season.
• A bevy of brand new Scott Addict bikes are lined up and ready to ride.
• George Hincapie discusses Team Columbia's training camp in Mallorca, Spain.
• George Hincapie about to depart on a Team Columbia training ride.
• Brian Holm talks to Team Columbia riders prior to a training ride on Mallorca.
• Mark Renshaw joins Team Columbia after a three-year stint with Crédit Agricole.
• Mark Cavendish adjusts his handlebars.
• Team Columbia riders bundle up for a training ride in Mallorca, Spain.
• Mark Cavendish's Scott Addict is ready to roll.
• A fleet of brand new Scott Addict bikes await Team Columbia riders.
• Mark Cavendish hops on his new Scott Addict.
• Mark Cavendish looks eager to head out on a training ride with his Team Columbia teammates.
• Mark Cavendish loads up on food prior to a Team Columbia training ride.
• Mark Cavendish and Team Columbia teammates confer before a training ride on the island of Mallorca.
• Mark Cavendish about to roll out on a Team Columbia training ride in Mallorca, Spain.
• Maxime Monfort tries out a new bike.
• Kim Kirchen tlkas with the mechancis
• Mechanics prepare the 2009 bikes.
• Thomas Lövkvist seems to have the wrong sized bike.

Team Milram

News

December 15, 2008: Ciolek from snow to sun

Thüringer Energie

News

January 6, 2009: Thüringer Energie prepares in snow

Trek/Livestrong

News

January 16, 2009: Merckx happy with first team meeting

Xacobeo Galicia

News

January 3, 2009: Xacobeo Galicia schedules training camp
December 16, 2008: Xacobeo-Galicia faces storm en route to Santiago
December 6, 2008: Xacobeo Galicia rides Camino de Santiago

Photos

December 16, 2008: Xacobeo Galicia on the Camino de Santiago

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Xacobeo Galicia

• The team was looking forward to the breaks and some warm tea from Jesús Blanco Villar.
• Everybody was bundled up on their way through snow, rain and wind. From l-r: Ezequiel, Veloso, Gustavo Domínguez and Paleo
• At least the riders knew they were still on the right way, with the symbol leading towards Santiago.