A few days before Paris-Roubaix 602nds had the opportunity to chat with German professional cyclist from the UCI Pro Team BMC Racing Team, Marcus Burghardt.  Marcus is 27 years old and was born in Zschopau, Saxony, Germany.

Marcus has ridden professionally since 2005 having contracts with T-Mobile, Team High Road/Team Columbia (2008), Team Columbia-High Road (2009) & joining BMC Racing Team in 2010.

A strong classics rider and all round tour rider, Marcus has shown his abilities in the one day races by winning Gent-Welvegem in 2007 and also finishing 3rd E3 Prijs Vlaanderen, 4th Dwars door Vlaanderen,  7th Ronde van Vlaanderen and winning two stages at the Tour de Suisse.

Marcus also has a TdF stage win in his Palmares’ winning the 18th stage, Bourg-d’Oisans – Saint-Étienne in 2008, also taking the Most Combative Rider for the same stage.

Marcus is also known for a crash that he had at stage 9 of the TDF in 2007 when he hit a Labrador dog that ran across the road during the stage. The front wheel buckled on impact, sending him tumbling over the handlebars on to the dog. Luckily Marcus wasn’t to badly hurt and he finished the stage.

Another Trademark that marcus is well known for his his wearing of the Mavic Yellow Shoes which stand out dramatically against the BMC red and black kit, but makes it very easy to identify him when riding in the peloton.

602nds: How are you feeling after finishing Flanders on Sunday? Is the body OK after crashing during the race?

Burghardt: Yeah, I am feeling really tired after the race, it was a really hard race. My back isn’t feeling the best after crashing during the race, I have a lot of pain and also I was twisted on the bike cause my pedals were broken, I hope I can fix this for Paris-Roubaix.

602nds: Paris-Roubaix is next, BMC has many strong riders such as Ballan, Hincapie, yourself even Van Armaet, will it be the strongest man at a certain point is the protected rider or is the decision already made.
Burghardt: No, the team hasn’t made a decision as yet, but I think for sure we will have George Hincapie and Alessandro Ballan in  really good condition and I think the team will ride for them, but we haven’t decided on  the tactics for the race yet.

602nds: What are your goals for the 2011 season?
Burghardt: Firstly, I hope I can help George and Alessandro in Roubaix, I hope we can have a really nice result. I think we did a really good job in Flanders with the team and we represented the team good there.  The team only needs a little bit more luck and a good result, yeah it would be perfect.  For me I want to go back to Switzerland and win a stage there.

602nds: Who or what inspired you to become a cyclists?
Burghardt: My mum inspired me to become a cyclist.

602nds: You have one a stage of the Tdf and Gent-wevelgem in 07, is there one race that you still dream of winning and why?
Burghardt: Yes there is a race, for sure I would like to win Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, but now in these kind of races you have so many guys who also want to win and that makes it not so easy.

602nds: How do you want your fans, supporters and peers to remember you when you retire from cycling?
Burghardt: I’m going to say “it’s a shame he didn’t ride one year more”.

602nds: BMC this year has a very strong team 2 former world champions, national champions, TdF stage winners and the list can go on.. Is there one rider that you hope to learn from, if so who and what will that be?
Burghardt: George has a lot of experience, I think  the team can learn a lot from him, he also  gives us a lot of good and important information before the races.  I think he is a really important part of the BMC team.

602nds: What do you think you can teach the young riders that have joined BMC?
Burghardt: : I think,  especially in the classics races, I can teach them where it is important to be in the front, where you can sit up a little bit more at the back and relax, and also when it is necessary to to go the front to make a really good move..

602nds: Do you find it hard when you have to move from one team to another throughout your career?
Burghardt: Yes I do, you are always going to find some friends in the teams you are riding with, you have the staff and riders who you have a friendship with. It’s nice to be with these guys, but at some point you have to think can I maybe get better in another team from a sporting aspect and can I move forward and  I think you have to look towards your future.

602nds: What has been the biggest difference since joining BMC from the other teams?
Burghardt: You know in these big teams there is not so many differences anymore, I think we have a lot of fun. We had a lot of fun in my former teams but I also have great fun in this team. I really like to ride for BMC, it’s really nice, we have a nice atmosphere always in the race, before the races, at the tables for breakfast, lunch, dinner and that’s nice, and if you have fun during the races you can make good results.

602nds: Do you have a favourite training ride, where is it and how many kilometres is it?
Burghardt: For me,  my favourite place to ride is at home in Switzerland, I enjoy training there.

602nds: What do you do in your spare time away from cycling?
Burghardt: When I’m not cycling, then I’m spending time with my family.

602nds: What would you have been doing for a career if you weren’t a Pro cyclists?
Burghardt: : haha, I don’t know, what I would always like to try was a cross country skier, maybe I could become a professional cross country skier

602nds: You have raced in Australia at the TDU, what do you think of the race and will we see you back racing in Australia?
Burghardt: The TDU is a really nice race, it has good organisation.  I like the race but for me there is the jetlag, down under is a big difference with the time and for me I found it a problem.

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just starting out in cycling and dreams of being a pro rider?
Burghardt: There is not one line I can say that you have to do this, this and this to become professional. I think at first you need to have physical qualities which you get from your parents, that is for me an important point. If you don’t have this you can train as much as you want, but you won’t become professional. It is then important to be focused and to train; you need to work out a model to train yourself.  As a cyclists that it is really important; as you always have a trainer behind you or a director saying you have to go now or do this, do that or telling you go in ten.

602nds: Coffee seems to be the drink of choice for riders, How do you take your coffee?
Burghardt: Honestly, I don’t really like coffee. I always drink hot chocolate in the morning.

Stay tuned on what Marcus is doing throughout the 2011 season by checking out his Official Website and the Official BMC Racing Team Website.

602nds would like to thank Marcus for taking the time to chat and wishes him a succesful 2011 cycling season.

Photo Credit TDWSport.com (c), Photo Credit PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images

Ponzi is 24 years old and was born in Manerbio, Italy and turned professional in 2009 with the UCI ProTeam Lampre-NGC, joining Liquigas-Cannondale in 2011.

Ponzi’s palmare’s include 1st Under 23 National Road Race Champion 2007, 2^nd Men’s Under 23 Road Race at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships, 2nd Trofeo Laigueglia, 2nd  Stage 4 Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale Coppi-Bartali, and  5th in Gran Premio dell’Insubria.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Simone Ponzi.

602nds: What is your objective for 2011?
Ponzi: My objective is to make sure I’m ready to compete in the Ardennes Classics without any fears!

602nds: What are your thoughts for Paris Nice? Have you got your eyes on a particular stage?
Ponzi: This week will be a little difficult for me, due to a knee problem. But I hope as the days go by that everything will work out ok. Technically, after the third stage, they are all good for me.

602nds: Who inspired you to start cycling?
Ponzi: I was inspired by watching races on the television.

602nds: If you were lucky enough to win a race, and then finish cycling, what would that race be?
Ponzi: The race I would like to win and then quit cycling is the Giro d’Italia.

602nds: Is there a particular cyclist in the peloton that you respect, and why?
Ponzi: In the peloton, I respect everyone. We are all professionals.

602nds: Is there a old cyclist with whom you would’ve liked to have ridden?
Ponzi: That rider would’ve been Michele Bartoli. He is a true idol.

602nds: Do you have a favourite climb?
Ponzi: The Stelvio!

602nds: Do you have any advice for someone who’s just started racing?
Ponzi: A honest piece of advice would be to have lots of passion for the sport, and to really want to do it.

602nds: Do you have any advice about eating and training?
Ponzi: To eat well. When you’re training, carbs at lunch and protein at dinner.

602nds: If you could invite 5 riders, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why? and what would you cook?
Ponzi: 5 isn’t a lot…I would say the whole of Liquigas before anyone else, as we are all really good friends. Where I’m from, there’s a meat-based dish called spiedo. It’s very good!!!

602nds: How do you take your caffe’?
Ponzi: Decaffeinated and after dinner!!

602nds would like to thank Simone for taking the time to chat and wishes him a successful 2011.

You can follow Simone on Twitter or his Official website (currently under construction)

Denifl is 23 years old and was born in Fulpmes (near Innsbruck), Austria. Beginning his career as a mountain/dirt biker he became involved in road cycling around 2004.

Riding as an amateur cyclist in 2006, for Vorarlberger and then Elk Haus-Simplon. In 2009 Denifl rode as a stagiaire for the Cervélo TestTeam and turned professional with the team in 2010. Known for his Time Trial and climbing abilities, Denifl will be a valuable rider for LEOPARD TREK in the 2011 season.

Denifl major win to date is winning the Austrian Individual Time Trial National Championship in 2008, also winning the U23 Rund um den Henninger Turm.

In 2009 Denifl won the prestigious Thüringen Runfahrt and in 2010 rode many races supporting Cervélo TestTeam’s top riders.  Throughout 2010 Denifl finished in the Top 10 at the Tour of Austria (Österreich Rundfahrt, 7th), Vuelta Castilla y Leon (8th), and the Bayern Rundfahrt (7th).

Stefan Denifl is known throughout the peloton as a genuine, trustworthy and down to earth nice guy.

His generous and compassionate nature was shown when he recently donated his own Leopard-Trek Jersey autographed by the 2011 Tour Down Under Team to support the Queensland Flood victims, the jersey raised over $600.00.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Stefan Denifl.

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2011?
Stefan: Try to help my teammates in any race situations as good as I can! If I get the change to do something in smaller races, I try to go for nice results!

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Stefan: Not lose the fun and passion for riding my bike!

602nds: What or who inspired you to get on a bike and race?
Stefan: My father was an amazing mountain biker! He did his last race 1996, the Olympics in Atlanta. He has always supported and still supports me as well as he can! He was a clean rider with a lot of passion for the sport! He is a man to follow!

602nds: What are your strengths on the bike?
Stefan: Climbing, sprints of smaller groups, and TT during a stage race…

602nds: If you had the chance to win one race then retire from cycling, what would the race be and why?
Stefan: The Tour de France! J No honestly, I don’t know it! But a stage win at the Tour would be really cool!

602nds: What has been your proudest moment on the bike?
Stefan: I had a bad injury 2008! I was training hard to get back and my 2nd race the National TT Championship, I won! That was a good moment and I was very proud.

602nds: Is there a current rider in the peloton that you most respect and why?
Stefan: I have more or less from every rider respect! I know how hard this sport is and how many work and discipline every rider puts in!

602nds: There are many inspiring riders in LEOPARD TREK. Is there a rider you hope to learn from, what do you hope to be taught and who is it?
Stefan: You can learn from many guys in the team! There are so many classy riders in all different conditions and races! There is Stuey, Fabian, Andy or Frank and a lot more! As a young rider you can only profit and learn from them..

602nds: What will be your role in LEOPARD TREK?
Stefan: My first role is to be a helper! I will support the guys with bottles; bring back groups or making speed on the mountains! For sure I also will get changes do perform for a personal results! It will get a nice mix of both I think.

602nds: Do you think there is a lot of pressure on you guys to perform this year?
Stefan: Not more than somewhere else! It’s like in a normal job, everybody expect that you are doing your best and if you do it, the results will come!

602nds: Is there one rider who is not a current Pro Rider that you would have liked to ride with? Who would it be and Why?
Stefan: My sports directors

602nds: Do you have a personal favourite mountain climb? And why?
Stefan: I like the mountains in north Italy, like the Dolomites! It’s near my home and I am often there for training….

602nds: Where is your favourite training place to go to when you are trying to escape the European Winter?
Stefan: There are some Gran Canaria,  North Italy (more in spring and summer) and LA. LA sounds like it is not good for riding, but in the hills around Santa Monica and Malibu it is awesome for training rides. Also from Adelaide, Australia I was surprised. Very nice for training and a good place to be!

602nds: If you could invite 5 past or present riders to Dinner at your place, who would you invite, & why? And what would you cook?
Stefan: I would take my teammates! We are so a cool group and there a great and funny guys! They are all actually present in my life… and I would add Bernie Eisel, he is a cool rider and one of my friends in the peloton!

602nds: If you had the opportunity to take a famous female actress/singer to dinner. Who would it be, why and where would you take her?
Stefan: Hmm, normally I don’t think about things that would not happen but in the lucky case it happened, I would take Kate Hudson! She seems to be a funny girl and she is too sweet! I like the comedy movies were she is acting together with Matthew McConaughey!

602nds: If your iPod was broken and it could only play one song continuously.. What would it be?
Stefan: Ah I don’t know, there are so many songs I like! Therefore I hope this situations never happens, haha

602nds: What do you do in your spare time?
Stefan: I try to do what non-sports people do, instead of much parties I like to drink coffee, hang out with friends, go to cinema, watch DVD,  enjoy the sun on my terrace (with a cappuccino) and surf on the WWW! It’s important for me to get the head free and not to speak much about cycling.

602nds: Are you a skinny latte, soy latte, full cream latte, flat white or double shot espresso type of cyclists?
Stefan: Something between a skinny and soy latte, but for sure with a flavour shot and a shot of good milk foam. J Before a race I prefer double espresso and yeah Italian cappucco is one of my favourites too!

602nds: You have many fans on Facebook & Twitter, how do you feel about the ‘I got fans’-situation?
Stefan: I use Facebook only for friends and people I really know! Twitter is different. Twitter is like my homepage and everybody can follow me… Its most about my sports life and a bit background stories… it’s nice to see your followers number increasing, so it seems the people like what I tweet and they are interested in the life of a pro cyclist…

602nds: You are fast becoming known for your hairstyle, do the guys in the team hassle you about it, and any intention to change it soon?
Stefan: Haha, that’s funny! Maybe it’s different or special, but it’s good to be different in a way… as long as people talk about you, you are safe! Hmm, in the moment I am happy with my hair, so no reason to change it…

602nds: What would you have done for a career if you were not a professional cyclist?
Stefan: I attended technical college and studied machine engineering! So maybe I would sit in an office and do some constructions and design of technical parts on CAD programs! I also love interiors and architecture stuff….

602nds: How would you like to be remembered by the fans, when you retire from cycling?
Stefan: As a cool, fair rider, open to the fans with a good style and some nice results!

602nds: What are your thoughts on the current doping situation in cycling? Is it improving and is there anything more you think can be done?
Stefan: We are on a good way! Media should start to talk again about the main thing, the sport, the races, the riders and background stories!

If you would like to stay tuned in what Stefan is up to throughout the year you can follow him on http://twitter.com/stefandenifl or you can check out any new team updates at the Official LEOPARD TREK website.

602nds would like to thank Stefan for taking the time to chat with us and wishes him a successful 2011.

Photo Credit Helen K (c)

Photo Credit Jarrod @  jxpphotography (c)

Photo Credit Andrew & Debbie Bagnara

Adriano’s palmare’s include World and European U23 Time Trial Champion in 2008, 1st Chrono Champenois in 2008/2009 and 1st ITT Stage 1 Giro della Valle d’Aosta Mont Blanc and Mediterranean Games.

Adriano rode his first Tdf in 2010 finishing 170th and left the Tour with the title of “Lanterne Rouge”. Although finishing nearly 4h30min behind the Yellow Jersey winner, he finished his first TdF a feat that many could not do. Adriano joined Lampre as a stagiaire at the end of 2009 and is looking forward to showing great form throughout the 2011 season. In particular watch out for the TT stages, I’m sure we will see Adriano up in the top ranks.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Adriano.

602nds: What is your objective for 2011?
Malori: To understand what I’m capable of, and what I’m not capable of. Also, to achieve something.

602nds:What is your main objective for your career as a cyclist?
Malori: The biggest thing: to stay here for the longest time possible. Leaving my mark, and not only as a cyclist.

602nds: Who inspired you to start cycling?
Malori: No one.

602nds: If you could chose to win only one race in your career and then retire, what would it be?
Malori: A stage of Le Tour de France. I rode it last year, and fell in love.

602nds: Is there a rider in the peloton whom you have upmost respect for? If so, why?
Malori: I would say my ex-teammate Angelo Furlan. He is a golden person, as well as a great rider.

602nds: Is here an legendary rider with whom you would’ve liked to have riden with? If so, why?
Malori: I used to dream of riding with Armstrong, and last year I was able to do so at Le Tour de France.

602nds:: Do you have a favourite climb?
Malori: Il Passo Del Ticchiano, near to my home. 15km at 5%. It’s ideal for me.

602nds: Do you have any advice for someone who has just started to ride?
Malori: Think about enjoying themselves to start with, so as not to lose the passion for the sport in future years. Without passion it doesn’t work at all. You could say that it’s our petrol!

602nds: What advice would you give in regards to training and eating well?
Malori: I advise to find a balance between eating and training. Every rider has their own physique, and you have to find what works best for you as an individual.

602nds: Do you have any goodluck rituals before you race? Malori: No, none. 602nds: If you could invite 5 riders, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why? And what would you cook?
Malori: Koren (Liquigas) because he is a good friend. Armstrong, because he’s the only one that I’ve really admired. Hushovd, Cancellara and Cavendish, because from what I’ve seen, they are good people. I would cook something typical from my region. Antipasto di prosciutto and Lasagna.

602nds: And finally…how do you take your coffee?
Malori: A double espresso macchiato!

602nds would like to thank Adriano for taking the time to chat with us and wishes him a successful 2011. We look forward to chatting to you again throughout the cycling season.

Gustav has ridden professionally since 2001 with Crescent, Fassa Bortolo, Française des Jeux, Unibet.com and most recently joined Team CSC (Now Saxo Bank-Sungard) in 2008.

Gustav is a three-time Swedish National Time Trial champion and silver medalist in the time-trial at the 2008 Olympics and time-trial World Championships in 2009.

Veronica rode for Dutch Team Powerplate Bik, and turned professional with Team Bianchi-Aliverti. She has also ridden for Team Safi pasta Zara Manhattan, Team BIGLA and moved to Lotto after friend Rochelle Gilmore invited her to join the Team.

In June 2007 Veronica suffered an almost life-ending accident en-route to the Swedish Time Trial Championship which took her many months of rehabilitation to get back on the bike and re-join the peloton.

602nds is pleased to present out chat with Gustav and Veronica.

602nds: How did the Team go this year and did you meet the goals you set for yourself? Have there been any disappointing moments?
Veronica: The team raced really well, we had Rochelle ride great this year and get on the Podium. All of the riders rode well and gave their best to support the Team Leaders. I’m personally disappointed that I didn’t get a win, I love the feeling that you get when standing on the podium.
Gustav: I didn’t meet all my goals, but I met some of them, it was ok. I wanted to do better at the Time Trial at the World Championships in Geelong. The Team had a good year though and we rode well all year, we came first in the UCI World Rankings for 2010.

602nds: What has been the highlight of the 2010 season?
Veronica: As I missed out on a own victory in 2010. A good memory for me, is Trophee d’Or, where we had a great team work and the photoshoot with the girls in Chamonix with Honda.  Also being in Verona and seeing Gustav win and cheer the victory with him!
Gustav: The biggest highlight was winning the last stage of the Giro d’Italia, this year. It was a big highlight and a great feeling riding into the amphitheatre in Verona.

602nds: Do you have a favourite cycling moment?
Veronica: My victory in Thuringen 2007 was a great feeling! A day when everything just clicked in the race!
But also a sunny day in the mountains with some friends on the bike, you come home after hours on the bike with just a big smile and so satisfied, even if you are totally empty in the body from the hours on the bike.
Gustav: I remember the 2008 Olympics, it was amazing being in Beijing, and it was a fantastic place and a fantastic moment. London 2012 Olympics will be a goal for me.

602nds: Is there a current cyclist in the peloton that you most respect any why?
Veronica: You must respect all riders in the peloton, but then of course there are girls you like more or less.
One of the better riders in the women peloton was Zulfia Zabirova. A Campionessa.
Also my friend Liz Hatch, you never have a boring time!! She is a great team mate, I’m lucky we are in the same team!
Gustav: You have to respect all riders in the peloton but there are some riders you chat to more, it has nothing to do with respect.

602nds: Women’s cycling at the moment seems to be struggling with races being cancelled & lack of sponsorships, how do you think we can improve this?
Veronica: Yes that’s true, we need more sponsorship. The level of the women riders is really high now; we are all training hard and are at a great competitive level. A few years ago there used to be maybe 5-10 ladies that were at the top and winning everything, now it is maybe 20 girls can line up to a race and anyone of them can win. The level of the riders has improved but the level of sponsorship and money hasn’t improved. There are people involved in women’s cycling who are not involved for the right reasons and this affects our sport. The sport needs more television coverage; this will help more sponsors want to become involved in women’s cycling. The UCI should make a rule that if you want to have a race day then you have to include a women’s race, like what Flanders/Fleche do, many more races can do this, we could ride the race before the men’s race. The public, television and facilities are already there, so it shouldn’t be too hard. Maybe if you want to have a UCI Pro Tour Team you also have to have a Women’s Team. I hope it changes soon, women’s cycling needs it.

602nds: I’ve been lucky to be on Alpe D’huez for a stage finish, the Carrefour de l’Arbre during Paris-Roubaix and many other races, at times the fans seem crazy. How do you feel when riding past the fans, can you hear them cheering and yelling?
Gustav: Of course you hear the fans; it inspires you to go harder. When you only have a couple of km’s to go and you hear the fans cheering you on it is a perfect moment, the cheering helps with not feeling the pain anymore.

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races or lucky charm?
Veronica: No, I don’t have anything like that, I’m glad I don’t. Although there are some ladies from other teams that have some strange rituals. Some riders have to pee just before the start of the race. For us ladies we don’t have a Team bus that makes that easy and sometimes we are out in the middle of a Square etc. So at times I’ve seen some riders actually pee on the side of the road.
Gustav: No I don’t have anything special. I have a ritual to do things right, like a routine before a race, but I don’t have to do it.

602nds: If you could only win one more race for the rest of your cycling career, what would it be and why?
Gustav: Of course everyone wants to win the TdF, It’s a dream that a lot of people have, but it’s not the easiest dream to fulfil. The Olympics would be nice as its “The Olympics”. Not only cycling fans are watching but the whole world is watching. To win there it would feel amazing and be so special.

602nds: What do you do to unwind and chill out after races?
Veronica: Well we are in a Hotel and most of the time we are very tired. But I like to hang out with my good friend Liz, listen to music, chat, and maybe go out to dinner if not too tired. There isn’t a lot you can do in a hotel, but you do not want to do much anyway.
Gustav: I listen to music it’s nice. I love listening to vinyls, I have a proper stereo to listen to and relax at home.

602nds:Do you and Gustav train together and is it competitive?
Veronica: Yes we train together and we are competitive. Sometimes when we ride I will win but I do that by not be honest and I have to cheat to beat him.  I enjoy riding with Gustav as it helps build up my fitness and helps get me through the season.

602nds: Is there someone who inspired you to become a cyclist?
Gustav: Yes, there was someone that inspired me to get into sport. We have former Swedish skier Gunde Svan who was a World/Olympic Champion skier when I was growing up. He inspired me to want to become a Top Athlete;.. It was mountain biking that I chose and  John Tomac inspired me with his style and dynamic personality.

602nds: I read back in 2007 you had a Major accident, how have you worked your way back and what was the hardest thing about coming back?
Veronica: I’m still not a 100% from the accident. I hit my head really hard. I lost memory and I’m not sure what actually happened. At the time after the accident my only goal was to get back so I can ride the Giro d’Italia Feminine, I hadn’t realised that the Giro had already started a week after the accident happened; I had some short term memory loss. It has taken a long time to get back to riding in the Peloton and I’m still not as strong as I was before the accident.

602nds:Many people have commentated on the recent photo shoot you did for the CyclePassion Calendar, Can you explain why you chose to do the shoot and has Gustav seen the shots?
Veronica: The shoot fitted into my schedule and was asked to do the shoot with Liz. The pictures are very tasteful, we had a lot of fun shooting it and the crew were great to work with, they were very professional.  Gustav has seen the pictures and he likes them.

602nds: I hear you enjoy motorbikes, what do you currently ride and what motorbike would you like to own?
Veronica: I have the bike that I want to own, it is a Ducati Monster. I have a great time riding it.

602nds: What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a pro cyclist? And what do you intend to do when you retire from cycling?
Gustav: I have always loved rally driving; I’d love to be a rally driver. It is not the easiest job to get into; you need a lot of money etc. Being a rally driver would be a goal after my cycling career.

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just starting out cycling?
Veronica: Just start easy and don’t put pressure on yourself. Give it a go and see if it is what you really want, results in the end will happen. If you have talent it will come easier, but even if you don’t you can still succeed with hard training and the right people behind you. Never give up!
Gustav: You really need to be serious about it, train a lot and just keep at it. Focus and continue, continue and continue until you have become good at it.

Gustav and Veronica have organised a fun ride for the past two years at Varberg, Sweden. It is a ride for riders of all types, even if you have just started riding. We stop half way through the ride and have coffee and cake, then ride back to the start.

It’s a simple ride and this year you could enjoy a weekend spa at the Varberg and dinner with Gustav and Veronica. The ride is also raising money for Childhood Cancer and the Almers Hus in Varberg.

For more information on the ride you can check out the Facebook Group Pedala con i Campioni

602nds would like to thank Gustav & Veronica for taking the time to chat and we wish you both a successful 2011 and look forward to catching up again throughout the year.

If you would like to stay tuned on what Gustav and Veronica are doing throughout the 2011 season you can keep up to date on their websites: http://www.cyklist.com/ & http://www.gustavlarsson.com/

Be sure to check out our Cyclepassion DVD from CycleFilm competition featuring Veronica.

Marco’s palmares include winning the 1^st stage & Overall winner of the Girobio, also known as the baby Giro,  in 2004, a race that has had Marco Pantani,  Pyotr Oegroemov , Giovanni Battaglin and Francesco Moser as previous winners. Marco was also the Overall winner of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta in 2002 & 2003, a 2.2 event on the UCI Europe Tour.

Marco joined Lampre in 2004 as a stagista and was offered a contract to turn professional with the team in 2005. Marco has ridden in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, supporting many of the teams leaders throughout these Grand Tours.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Marco.

602nds: What’s your goal for 2011?
Marco Marzano: My objective for 2011 is to have a great Giro.

602nds: What’s your main aim in your career as a cyclist?
Marzano: To win a mountain stage at th Giro d’Italia.

602nds: Who inspired you to start cycling?
Marzano: I started to ride thanks to a friend at school when I was 10 years old.

602nds: If you had the chance to win any race, then retire, what would that race be?
Marzano: I would like to win a stage of the Giro d’Italia, because it’s the most important race to italian riders. And it’s the race that makes kids dream about becoming a professional cyclist.

602nds: Is there a rider in the peloton that you have upmost respect for? If so, who?
Marzano: This past year, in the same team as me, I got to know Alessandro Petacchi, I have always respected him, but even more so now that I am his teammate. He is a professional, reliable and kind teammate.

602nds: Is there a rider from the past with whom you would’ve liked to have raced with? Why?
Marzano: I would’ve liked to have known Marco Pantani, because watching him on mountain climbs is unbelievable.

602nds: What’s your favourite climb?
Marzano: I like ‘Il Mottarone’. It’s a climb that I use during training, and it’s included in the Bergamo-Maccugnaga stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia.

602nds: What advice would you give to someone just starting out riding?
Marzano: A piece of advice that I give to children, is to do cycling without stress and to enjoy themselves. To understand that cycling can help you to overcome life’s obstacles.

602nds: What advice can you give about eating and training well?
Marzano: Training and diet are fundamental to an athlete. And for both, I believe that you have to make sacrifices in order to become better. A mediterannean diet is perfect for an athlete! Training will be programmed for professional athletes.

602nds: Do you have any pre-race rituals or a goodluck charm?
Marzano: I don’t have any rituals. In order to do my best, at times I think about the sacrifces that I’ve had to make to become a professonal cyclist.

602nds: If you could invite 5 riders to dinner, past or present, who would you invite and why? and, what would you cook?
Marzano:Petacchi, Scarponi and Pietropolli: A nice mix and all wine fans!
Noe’: who I train with everyday!
Simoni: I know him as a former teammate. I get on with him very well and I admire him for his great carreer.
And I would cook, a beautiful risotto al radiccio e formaggio Monte Veronese (cheese and chicory risotto), accompanied by a bottle of Amarone wine!

602nds: And finally…how do you take your coffee?
Marzano: I have a coffee (espresso) every morning after breakfast, along with a little chocolate biscuit!

602nds would like to thank Marco for taking the time to chat with us and wishes him a successful 2011. 602nds looks forward to chatting to you again next year throughout the cycling season.

602nds would like to introduce a new 602nds member, Esther.  Esther assisted 602nds with this interview and will be working with Tara (CycleGirl) on some exciting interviews throughout the 2011 cycling season. Esther will also be providing some of her fantastic cycling photographs throughout the year.

Frei cycled for the Bürgis Cycling Team and then rode for the UCI ProTour Team Astana in 2007/2008 before joining the BMC Racing Team in 2009. While racing in the 34th Giro del Trentino Frei was informed that he had tested positive for the use of EPO in a test performed on the 21st March 2010.

The media reported at the time that Frei had stated at the press conference, that he had been doping for two years before being caught, but this was reported incorrectly and the truth is that he had been micro dosing for one year prior to being caught. Frei actually said “that he started thinking about doping near the end of 2008, but the first time he doped was in spring 2009”.

During the same press conference Frei also stated “It is true, I have taken EPO. Therefore it doesn’t make sense to ask a counter-analysis. I don’t have any hope that there is the possibility of negative”.  After chatting to him about this statement, he mentioned that when it came to the ‘B’ Sample people asked him to get the sample tested as there could be a chance that it could come back negative.

Frei said “that the reason for him choosing not to get the ‘B’ sample tested was that he wanted to admit to all that he micro dosed using EPO” and “that he had to pay for what he did”. He thought that telling the truth and not having the ‘B’ sample tested he was making a point that he knew what he did was wrong.

Frei was promptly released from the BMC Racing Team after admitted to doping. It was found that he was caught in an out of control dope test and admitted that he had taken a micro-dose of EPO the day before the test. Frei revealed his method of getting around the controls was as simple as hydration, and if he had drank a litre of water after the administering the injection he might avoid being caught.

In June 2010 Thomas Frei was given a two-year ban for testing positive to the banned substance EPO by the Swiss Olympic committee. He was also fined 1,500 Swiss francs and ordered to pay 4,440 Swiss francs in costs. Frei is now back in training and hoping that he can return to the peloton to ride again as a Professional cyclist.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Thomas Frei.

602nds: You were found positive in 2010 and you were given a 2 year ban, how are you coping with that?

Thomas Frei: Well, at the beginning I had a lot to handle, I didn’t really realize what had happened, later on was hard, sometimes I find it hard to sleep at the night, as I am thinking about many many things.

602nds: Was it hard telling your family and friends that ‘yes I did it’?

Frei: At least, that was not the hardest thing, sure they said “oh you did it”, but your family and your REAL Friends are always there, in good and bad times, for this it was not at first important what I did, but they knew that I need their support, they love you as a person, not as a cyclist in the first. They accept you as a friend that made a bad mistake, they know we are all human and sometimes we do the wrong thing.

But in the end it was nice to see who are your real friends and in the future I will know whom I can trust 100%.

602nds: Once you were found positive, you gave evidence to the UCI/WADA on how you were beating the system, why did you do this?

Frei: It’s true. I did talk to them. I cannot say what other dopers did or do, but I can say what I did. For me the time is over as a doper, so I can say what I did, it was important to me to tell the truth.

602nds: We are aware the you received many hate and negative messages via the internet … How did you cope with that?

Frei: I didn’t really get many hate messages or I did not see them.  Many people sent me positives message about the fact that I admitted to doping straight away and didn’t keep lying.

For the hate messages, in one way I can understand why those people were really disappointed with what I did, so I can understand. But in the end I think we shouldn’t forget that we are all humans and make mistakes in life, some mistakes bigger than others for sure.  At the end of the day, don’t you think we all deserve a second chance, to do better?  Otherwise I say: ‘those who are without sin may throw the first stone.’

602nds: I have to ask you the one question many want to know and many think they know the answer to, But in your words Thomas, why did you dope?

Frei: Hmmm not an easy question, I have asked that question to myself a few times in the last few months. I think it is a process, I always worked really hard, I tried to be really professional, then you have some people they say to you,” hey it’s easy to dope and no risk”.

You then start thinking about what they say over a period of time, and in the end you think, ok I can improve my level without any risk, so I can dope also. But what I say in my case I don’t  have any idea if or how the micro dosing  improved my levels,  sometimes I rode really good races  and sometimes I rode really bad ones. Same thing happened before I started micro dosing.

602nds: Was there a moment that you said, “Ok, I need to do this?” Were you falling behind in races?

Frei: I didn’t really think “I have to do this”, but some people, like what I said earlier, give you the feeling you have to do that. I did a lot of good races without EPO micro dosing, but I wanted to improve faster, definitely I made the wrong decision, now I have to wait… and I have lost two years of my cycling career.

602nds: You have recently started working with Aldo Sassi, why did you choose Sassi?

Frei: I wanted to do the same as what Basso did in his banned time.  I’m doing the Mass haemoglobin tests, and also testing my fitness with the Mapei  Centre  planning my training.

I am given the centre total transparency and I plan to show everybody my results from tests and what work I have done, so they can see how my fitness has improved without having to dope. I plan to ride better than I rode before the ban and I want to show that I am riding clean.

602nds: What have you learnt from training with Aldo Sassi and being at the Mapei Centre?

Frei: It is all new to me; I have been working with the Mapei centre for one month now. I have many new things in my training.  We are using the time without racing to work on things that you do not have the time to do when you are always traveling around the world. I am doing new things such as mountain biking and I will be doing a lot of TT training in 2011 to improve there also. The goal is simple and at the same time big. I want to be a better cyclist when my ban is over.

The centre and I have made a battle plan to train during the ban time. We have planned 50-60 races over the banned time, as a simulation, I have my schedule plan for 2011 already. It will be hard but I like big challenges and I’m in daily contact with people from the Mapei centre, mostly Andrea Morelli. I am working really close with Andrea and  i go to the centre every 2-3 weeks to conduct tests and checks. I will also work on my position on the bike, how to eat to improve my performance and many other important things that will assist in improving as a cyclist.

The Mapei Centre has many ways to improve my performance and I am looking forward to learning all that they have to offer.  I believe that if I do this well I can come back a better cyclist then before and a CLEAN CYCLIST!

602nds: Do you think that working with Aldo Sassi and the Mapei Centre will help you when your ban is over in again obtaining a professional cycling contract?

Frei: I don’t know if it will help. But, I do know that when my ban is over I did everything that I could do myself,  with the best training program, to show that I am clean and hopefully to  get the trust back from all . . I know I will be in best shape and ready to race on the best level.

In the end it’s not in my hands if I get a second chance or not!  But I hope so. I think now is a hard time that I have to handle mentally. When I fight through this time and I work hard on the bike, this experience also makes me stronger mentally.

I really believe that going through such a hard time personally and mentally as I have as a sportsmen, it will help me came back stronger not only physically but also mentally.

602nds: Many riders have found it difficult to come back after being banned from cycling and many have also come back without too much fuss.  Do you think you will have any issues?

Frei: I think in one year I will be able to speak with you and give a better answer on that.  I am hoping that everyone will understand that I made a mistake and I admitted what I did once I was caught. I did not continue to lie when I was caught, I admitted my mistake and said I was sorry.

Everyone can think what they want, but also understand that we are human and we also make mistakes. Once I have served my time for doing the wrong thing I will be very thankfull if I get the opportunity to ride as a proffessional cyclist again.

602nds: What do you think the state of the peloton is right now? As far as doping goes?

Frei: I think if you go back and look at 15-20 years ago, most people thought that there was no doping problem in cycling. But we know today that back then almost everybody used EPO or was doping to a certain extant in the Pro Peloton.  I can’t say why I know for sure, but many many riders from this time have admitted that this was a normal practice and it was not a problem, you didn’t get caught.

Now cycling has the ADAMS system and many controls including the blood passport, with all riders having out of competition tests.  But today many people’s perception about cycling is that every cyclist is a doper.  But i’m sure the Peloton is cleaner then years before and the difference is we have more and far better contolrs in place.

I hate that some of the Press/Media always look at cycling and give the impression that cycling is the only sport where doping exists.

602nds: What are your goals for your future in cycling?

Frei: I have the same goals that I had before I was found positive. I think I can still be a really good domestique for a big rider, a solid helper in the climbs and one time I hope to finish the Tour de France and ride into Paris.

I have dreamed to ride into Paris since I was 13 years old, I have never been in Paris on the Champs Elysee  and my dream  since I was 13 is the first time I will go there will be when I  finish  my first Tour de France and ride in.. That is one of the reason that i want to come back, that dream keeps me alive.

602nds: I remember you once told me your dream was to wear the Yellow Jersey at the Tdf, is this still your dream?

Frei: For sure, I’m in a situation that seems far away but I always say “Never forget what your dreams and goals once were, even if they seem so far away.” BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE!!

602nds: When did you first start Cycling?

Frei: I was 12 or 13 years old, something like that.

602nds: Was there someone or something that inspired you to become a cyclist?

Frei: It was the Tour de France, riders like Indurain , Pantani and for sure Lance Armstong.

602nds: Is there a current rider in the peloton that you most respect and why?

Frei: There are many riders, but I really like Cadel Evans, he is a great champion but also as a person he is a great man. I really liked working for him, although it was a bit too short, but it’s another dream to help him one day to win the tour or another grand tour!  That really motivates me every day to sit on my bike for many hours even though i know that i will not be riding in any races next season.

Another rider is Jani Brajkovic, he is also a nice guy and really professional, he lives for cycling, he works really hard. He is a guy who I think can win the TdF, I really hope he will win it one day. He has the ability to win it; he showed that he can do that when he won the Dauphine in 2010 ahead of Alberto.

602nds: What is your training regime and are you enjoying being back on the bike?

Frei: Yes, I am enjoying being back on the bike,  I ride my bike every day for a few hours and I really like it, I even like to ride my bike when it is raining.  I did not get on my bike for two months after I tested positive, but I really start to miss it.

I don’t want to miss riding my bike another day, so I go and ride whether it is raining or snowing. For example, yesterday I was riding my bike and then it started snowing, I kept riding for 3 hours until it was not possible to ride anymore. There was too much snow on the road, so my friend came and picked me up in their car and brought me home .

602nds: Are you a skinny latte, soy latte, full cream latte, flat white or double shot espresso type of cyclists?

Frei: Before a ride i like a double shot espresso… Thank you Tara for your support all the time!

602nds would like to thank Thomas Frei being so open, frank, honest for taking the time to chat.

For all those cyclists that want to enjoy a great scenic ride with professional cyclists Gustav Larsson,  Veronica Andreasson  & Tommy Prim then this is the ride for you.  You can enjoy a weekend spa at the Varberg and a dinner with Gustav and Veronica. This year the ride is also raising money for Childhood Cancer and the Almers Hus in Varberg.

The ride is the 27th November at the Varberg, Sweden.

If you would like more information then look at the Facebook Group here.

After finishing third at last year’s race, Loren was in a breakaway with Victorian rider Jo Hogan and ended up winning the race with a sprint finish in the last 200 metres.

Loren was born in South Africa and moved to Australia in 1996. She was a former runner as a junior, claiming national medals in Cross Country and Athletics.

Loren made the QAS in U/19, however postponed her cycling career to finish Year 12. Loren currently races for Lifecycle CC QLD and finished 3rd overall in the Women’s National Road Series this year

602nds: How long have you been involved in cycling and what was your first event?
Loren: About 7 years, my first event was a club crit racing E grade, thinking it was like an 800m track race (where you go flat out for 800m) I sped around for 20min at the front and wondered why they sprinted past me at the end.

602nds: What or who inspired you to get on a bike and race?
Loren: My older brother, we used to run together so when he took it up I followed naturally

602nds: What would you like to achieve in the next 5years?
Loren: Race on a professional team overseas, represent Australia in world cup races, and world championships and to win a national title

602nds: What would you like to achieve before you retire from cycling?
Loren: Compete at the Olympics

602nds: Who is your favourite cyclists and why?
Loren: Lance Armstrong: because he has conquered all. Fabian Cancellara: because he is untouchable, and Jenny Longo: she is just amazing, 52 and still kicking butt…WoW

602nds: What has been your favourite cycling moment on a bike?
Loren: I’d have to say riding at the Herald sun world cycling classic against the best in the world, however nothing beats crossing that line first, so my win at Mersey valley and my win at Glen Innes to Inverell

602nds: You recently came first in the A Grade women’s Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic, how did you feel after the win?
Loren: Incredible, all the hard work finally paid off. There is nothing sweeter than winning, or your team winning

602nds: Was being handed the winning jersey by Inverell boy Heinrich Haussler motivation or a nice surprise? Haha
Loren: Definitely motivation if I get another kiss sometime i’ll be the next world champion if Cancellara hands the winning Jersey out. Haha

602nds: During the Glenn Innes to Inverell race there was an incident with a herd of cows, where the group was caught up, one riders rear tyre was clipped and fell and 2 ladies who were ahead kept going. There was a lot of confusion at the time and has been discussion on both sides on what actually happened. Can you tell us what you saw and thoughts?
Loren: I was sitting in the middle of the bunch, Amber Halliday was near the front and not sure if she clipped a cow or just locked up and went down. But I’m pretty sure before all this happened Sally Robbins was moving to the front to make an attack (before the accident). Her and Mif Galloway got away just before it happened and obviously didn’t look back. Not sure if the officials slowed them up or we just caught them purely cause we were motoring.
It was really confusing; don’t think it was a Contador /Schleck moment though!

602nds: What do you do in your spare time?
Loren: Uni, work, eat and eat some more, chill with friends, watch DVD’s, go to the beach

602nds: What are your strengths on the bike?
Loren: Climbing and time trialling

602nds: What are your goals for next season?
Loren: Race overseas; achieve a top 5 in the road race at nationals. All in all become a better bike rider and meet new people through the sport

Loren is aiming to race in Europe next year and 602nds wishes her all the luck with this endeavour. 602nds will be keeping an eye out on what the future holds for Loren and looks forward to chatting to her again next year.

I spent the final day of the TdF in the VIP area chatting to the clients, ensuring they had champagne, watching them enjoy the experience of the seeing the Peloton arrive on the Champs-Elysées and then being there when the riders completed the lap of honour after the finish. Some of the clients were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Scott Sunderland who was there with his wife Sabine and friends. I must also mention the toilet… Yes I know, but Kenny would have been so proud of the toilet.. It looked like the normal crappy connex on the outside, but inside there were wooden doors and benches, brass fittings and even music playing.

If you have always dreamt of going to the TdF, make sure you see the last day in Paris. It is a day you won’t forget… a highlight was actually jumping the fence and walking down the Champs-Elysées with some of the riders still riding around.. Was funny that I was too busy chatting and getting a photo with Frank Schleck that I didn’t even take notice of Alberto Contador, the one rider I wanted to meet. Next time Alberto, watch out! All up a magnificent day!!

After I left the VIP area, my time assisting with the tour group was over, it was time to celebrate the Tdf and party in Paris. This I did with Lisa, Tiffany, Sol & two of her Norwegian friends who I was meeting for the first time. Initially we had dinner and a few drinks at an Irish pub called ‘Bugsy’s”, I must say the hamburger and chips were amazing.

Later on in the night we were lucky to be invited to the TdF After party.. It was a great night with lots of dancing, laughter and bumping into many of the riders.  I must say a few of the riders definitely have some unusual dance moves and the poor couch that had a couple of riders dancing on it may never be the same! But it kept us entertained for hours. The drinks were free, (note though: the toilet for this place was hidden and it took a least 30 minutes to find it, and that isn’t the alcohol consumed to blame), the atmosphere was electric and everyone was there to have fun and celebrate finishing the Tdf, being at the Tdf and enjoying each other’s company.

We shared the dance floor with Fabian, Shlecks, Gerdermann, Edvald and many many more. Caught up with Cadel and Chiara and chatted to them for a while.  Alas, the dancing & partying  had to stop and it was time to leave.. This was even funnier, trying to catch a taxi in Paris at 0430h isn’t easy, and with many having the same idea of catching a taxi, it was like a rugby match… After many many hours of wearing my heels I can tell you I would of crashed tackled anyone if my taxi was going to be stolen.. Was even told by someone (not a rider) ‘You are not a very nice person” when i would not let them in the taxi… Hmmmm sorry next time remember the name of your hotel and i’ll share the taxi with you!.

After arriving back at the hotel around 04 45 h it was a quick snooze and then up at 0630h for the drive to Aalst, Belgium . This was an adventure as myself and Tiffany were offered a ride in a “Milram” van by my friend, we were glad to except as catching the train and lugging our suitcases around wasn’t what we wanted to do after partying in Paris. It was now time for 6 days  in Belgium/The Netherlands in order to watch and enjoy the after Tour Criteriums, Belgian Beer and catching up with friends.

I must say that I did have free time to do my own things. I had many great dinners with the staff I worked with and we shared many cycling stories, some i couldnt share here. I shopped in little towns which had some amazing shoe shops, had wine in many more towns. One of the advantages in going through France is being able to taste the wine of the local region. I spent a few hours in Pau on the rest day with friends, an experience of catching the train by myself and making it back to Lourdes in time that evening was a bit scarey. Met many riders who I hadn’t met before, met up with riders who are friends and caught up with many support staff who are friends and who the TdF wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t there supporting the riders. I hope to catch up with all my friends and new friends soon. Who knows, my dream of living and working in Europe may come true one day.

All up my time at the TdF was fantastic and I would recommend anyone wanting to go on an organised cycling tour to look at BikeStyle Tours. Hopefully in the future I’ll be back at the TdF working and holidaying.

Here are a few of my fave pictures from the trip, ohh and my collection of podium kiss pics is looking good (still waiting for call up to dothe job for real). Photos were taken by Tim Burton,
Thankyou tim for letting 602nds use your pics,  and myself, some photos were taken on my mobile, sorry for the bad quality but thought you would like to see.

Part 3 and my final Blog for this European Trip will be about my time at the Post Tour Criteriums in Belgium/The Netherlands.

Petacchi Champs-Élysées TdF 2010

Cav on is way to win the stage

Andy enjoying some Champagne

Andy & Frank Champs-Élysées

Linus showing off Champs-Élysées - Getting ready for dancing the night away

Cadel Evans

Fabian & Andy Champs-Élysées

Carlos Sastre talking to Scott Sunderland

Edvald saying hello

Finally met Matti Breschel

Lisa & I with Frank...

Champs-Élysées TdF is over

Final Goodbye's Myself, Eric, Lisa & Vincent

The Partying begins - Sol & I

Tiffany & I at After Party Paris

Tiffany & I arrive in Aalst Belgium in Milram Van!