over the top

By Cathy Mehl

PRESS RELEASE, April 1, 2009: Johan Bruyneel has long desired to establish a 3-4 day stage race of his own design and plans to make it happen in 2010 have begun to really shape up.  Knowing that a crowded UCI calendar makes the months of March and April difficult to slot in a new race, Bruyneel has opted for a late February/early March date and narrowed the region down to Andorra, the small country located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains.   “I know there are some issues with snow on the high passes that time of year, but we are hopeful to attract the more hearty cyclists that won’t complain about a little snow…or a lot of snow,” said Bruyneel from his home near Madrid.

With that in mind, Team Astana Cycling decided to make a jump on the opposition and check out some possible routes.  Prior to gathering for Castilla y Leon, Bruyneel took Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and Jani Brajkovic to the region to recon possible routes.  Despite the fact that many of the passes are closed in the winter, using some of the less-traveled areas could be just the ticket for the time trial event.  “We’re thinking of setting a track with a snowmobile much the way they do for cross-country ski events so the riders can go in one at a time against the clock,” explained Bruyneel.  “The more hearty fan can ski the route the night before and snow camp overnight. For the less ambitious, more conventional transit in snowmobiles will be offered on the day of the event.” 

“As soon as my fracture healed I headed to Andorra,” said Levi Leipheimer.  “I wasn’t sure how I would perform at altitude, but no problem!  We won’t say where we went just yet but the severe drop off to one side of the climb was a little disconcerting as we neared the crest.  But if they set the track on the inside of the curve it will feel safe enough.  We’ll just have to be careful. I think this is good.  It can make or break the race.”

“I live in the snow,” said Jani Brajkovic “so this is right up my alley.  I think I will be a top GC contender for sure if Johan gets this project off the ground.  Sometimes race promoters think riders can’t race hard early in the season and aren’t ready for a big challenge, but I tell you there is no better snow team than Team Astana. I mean, look, we are sponsored by Kazakhstan after all.  Actually some of my teammates prefer snow to sunshine!” 

Reluctant at first, preferring the rain and wind of his native Belgium in March, DS Dirk Demol has recently warmed to the idea and had high praise for the innovative project. “Just think, we will find an entirely new fan base not previously familiar with cycling.  These winter-time fans will be tough and bold and brave. In fact they will be more….well, like Belgians!”

Not to be out-done in the enthusiasm-department, Alberto Contador chimed in when asked what he thought of the uphill time trial….in the snow.  “It’s a mountain right?  Then I like it and I will climb it….fast!”

A reflective team director Viatcheslav “Eki” Ekimov added his own two cents:  “Well, all I can say after watching the guys ride today is that I’m glad I retired when I did. I'll stick with the car."

This race project is still very much in the testing phase and a final decision about route and feasibility will not be made for a few more months.  In the meantime be sure to check your calendars for today’s date, have some fun on April Fools and enjoy your day!