First impression

First impression.

Going into a new season always creates some anxiety for riders. It is easier if you are returning to the same team, but it can be a difficult transition for the new riders.

You want to be part of the squad as fast as you can without over doing it.  Every team has a different way to work or a different approach. For example, in 1996 after two great years with Motorola (a U.S. team), I went to team Polti (an Italian team). I went from a team with multiple nationalities to a 90% Italian old-school squad. It took me a while to get used to the way they did things. Although my Italian improved very fast and that made the transition easier.

Being the sport director for the Trek-Livestrong team gives me the perspective of seeing things from the other side of the fence. I am the one who has to make sure our squad is going out there not only to race, but to act and behave as a team. Team spirit is probably what I take the most pride from when I see it happen at the races. All the guys are young talented riders who want results to make it to the next level. But cycling is a really particular sport. Only one guy can win, but he needs a team to take him to the line.

The last two years have been a huge success for us on and off the bike. I am lucky to be surrounded by great staff, great  management and a tremendous sponsor who all understand what a development team is about. Results are nice but development is the No. 1 priority.

On another subject, I would like to share with you my disappointment over the rule banning race radios.

My concern deals with safety. Perhaps the best way to explain it is by way of example.

In Paris-Roubaix U23, I saw two huge crashes on wide roads because sport directors drove into the peloton to talk to their riders. If they had been allowed to use radios the carnage could have been avoided with a simple push of a button. Oddly, most of what is communicated from the cars involves safety.

Yes, using radios for giving race directions is helpful, but let’s not forget one thing. The best rider wins most of the time.

We will have to let cycling follow its technological evolution like every other sport. Unfortunately, that means you will see me and other sport directors on the side of the road with chalkboards – a scene no one could have expected in 2011. I hope the next step won’t be requiring us to ride with spare tires strapped across our backs or doing without bike computers!

With all that in mind, I am ready to get to work and direct the new riders for the upcoming season. Our camp is starting Feb. 24 in California. There will be lots of training, but hopefully and most importantly, lots of laughs at the dinner table.

Welcome aboard,

Axel Merckx, team director Trek-Livestrong