July 14, 2005: The team behind the team

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Lance Armstrong often says how proud he is of the eight riders who have supported his string of Tour de France victories. But another basic truth is that without a virtual armada of support staff the riders simply couldn't race, let alone win. The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling team is at the top of the list when it comes to the number of staff they bring to France each year. "We're trying to run an efficient ship, but then the Lance Factor changes everything," said team Director of Communications, Dan Osipow.

Dan broke the team's support staff down into these numbers:

4 mechanics
4 soigneurs
3 directors
3 team physicians
3 media reps
2 security personnel
1 chef
1 logistics director
1 bus driver
10+ staff working sponsor/VIP logistics

At any point in the race Discovery Channel will have 10-20 additional VIPs to not only manage but make sure they have a very good time, and then when the race gets to Paris the number literally goes into the hundreds. "For Paris alone we start working 12 months in advance to secure enough rooms to handle everyone that comes in," Osipow said. "And no matter what you do to plan, I guarantee you'll have a tonne of changes occurring right before the end - people who can't come, people who want to come, and you've got to make it all happen."

It's arguable that amongst all the folks behind the scenes, Director of Logistics Louise Donald is the busiest. "I think she's the busiest person on Tour!" said Osipow. "She handles all the team logistics, credentials for the entire staff, the critical vehicle stickers, and oversees all the guests we have as well." A huge job indeed but one she carries off very well, and somehow finds the time to be married to team mechanic Geoff Brown.

So now you know what it takes to keep Discovery Channel on the road and hopefully atop the podium - and they can get you a nice room with a view, too.

Thanks for checking in,

Cheers,
Chris