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!

So now, I’ll finally let you all have a read about what I was up to when over there.

As mentioned in my previous blog I went over to assist Bikestyle Tours with the TdF and then went to Belgium/The Netherlands for the after Tour Criteriums. This blog will be about my time at the TdF. I won’t go into full detail about every day of the trip but will let you know  a few highlights from the trip.

I first arrived in Paris on the 07 Jul and was introduced to the wonderful people I was working with and then the work started. I was at the airport picking up clients, making sure they were comfortable in the hotel and made sure the riders had their bikes ready. The tour group was travelling from Paris, Alps, Pyrenees and then back to Paris again. Many of the clients were riding, with a few non-riders as well. Throughout the trip I also assisted with a group of clients who were riding the Etape du Tour,  finishing on the “Tourmalet”.

I must say now, if thinking of riding the TdF ‘Etape’, train, train and train, especially when it comes to riding Cat 1 climbs with a few other climbs thrown in, the mountains in France are HUGE. It was a great day and a very very long day, but it was exciting to see the guys when they completed the Etape, as well as watching the thousands of riders from all around the world finishing. Also, I will never have any worries about hill starts in a car again. The day before stage 17 I was driving clients to the top of the Tourmalet in a van, whilst other clients were riding up. This was a long drive of staying in first gear, stopping and starting, avoiding cyclists, poor visibility and I lost count of how many hill starts I had to do.. I do know there was a Dutch driver who realised he shouldn’t drive up my “you know what” pretty quickly.

The first stage start had the tour group riding an 80km ride before arriving at the Depart. I was looking after the non-riders today and was asked by one of the clients if I could help her with getting a few autographs. I was happy to help and with a few years experience of gaining autographs I was ready to go. As it was the stage start looking my best is very important, so I decided to wear my heels. This came back to haunt me once I realised that there were cobbles throughout the village where the depart was.. That’s ok I lasted about 1h30m before I changed and put on my flats… First impressions count so I did what I needed to do.

Once there I asked one of the clients who she wanted to get an autograph.. “Andy Schleck’ was her answer… I was like, OK then, sure I can go to the SaxoBank bus and do this… We finally found the SaxoBank bus and waited for about an hour in the hot sun in order to get the autographs…I had also messaged a contact who knew we were there and was sure we would get the autograph. OK to cut the story short, the clients were lucky to get Jens Voigts, Stuey O’Grady’s and Andy Schlecks autographs and they were so happy and excited as the guys didn’t come out of the bus until the last minute, and they only signed one or two autographs before going to sign on.

My job for the day was done….

Another highlight of the trip was a day that I didn’t see any of the TdF, but is a day that I will remember and has inspired me to finally beat my demons about riding hills. The plan for the day was to ride up Alpe d’Huez,  Col du Lautaret and  Col du Galibier. I must say after watching and playing Soigneur to all  all the riders, it was a great experience to see them arrive across the finish line at the top of Alpe d’|Huez.  Seeing the joy and sheer excitement on their  faces when at the top, was truly amazing and something I will remember. There were hugs, tears and many photos were taken so the clients can remember this once in a lifetime experience… ohh and im sure the pain they were feeling is something they won’t forget either.  Nothing could top watching them arrive at Alpe D’Huez except watching the 12 riders and staff who rode to the Col du Lautaret and finally on to Col du Galibier, after riding Alpe d’Huez.

Being on top of the Col du Galibier, watching the pain of them making it to the top and the sheer exhilaration that they had climbed three mountains in one day was truly something inspiring.  The ages varied from early twenties to a rider, Brian who was in his late 60’s. I knew that afternoon that one day this is what I aimed to do.. Although my first mountain that I will conquer is ‘The Muur’, it beat me last April when I rode the Tour of Flanders Sportive, but I will be going back to beat it one day.

Throughout the 2 and a bit weeks that I was there I had some amazing times. Part of what I had to do was write a daily newsletter, which fun but at times very frustrating with internet access , lucky I had my BlackBerry, although my phone bill just came through.  Part of the newsletter was to pick the daily winner, I think I picked 6 stage winners throughout the whole tour. I was sure I was going to pick more.. Throuout the tour we watched the TdF from a Feedzone, Stage finish, Stage Start and from many of the mountains. It was such a joy seeing the clients experience the TdF, many of them this opportunity was a once in a lifetime experience, and it was part of my job to help them have that. There was cheese and wine picnics on the mountains, cheering for their favourite teams in small little villages and so much laughter that I hope I will be able to go back and help many other people enjoy their time at the TdF again. I have to say although I was assisting with Bikestyle Tours I was also enjoying my time there, I was lucky to catch up with many friends in the Peloton and involved in cycling, enjoy the TdF atmosphere and most of all enjoy the French Rose’ and Pastries….  (Vincent:  if you are reading this, can you bring some bottles of Rose’ when you come to Australia).

Before I finish, I do have to thank Natalie & Lawrie who own BikeStyle Tours for giving me the opportunity to work at the TdF, I truly enjoyed myself and had an amazing time when there. To Michelle, Steve, Lisa (Let’s move to Europe), Narelle (yes im eating fruit), Eric , Vincent, Bernhard, Howard and Spencer it was so much fun working with you. I hope in the future we may be able to do this again.. Remember “A Team”…

I hope you enjoyed reading Part one of my TdF trip,  Part 2  Iwill talk about Partying in Paris.

Here are a few of my pics from the trip: Taken by myself & Tim Burton

George Hincapie

Peloton

Alberto Contador

Andy in Yellow

at the Saxobank Team bus

I made it to the top

Beautiful view

Clients enjoying the French Rose' & waiting for the Peloton

Guess who's bike

Col de Galibier - Inspiring Day

Feedzone

Jeremy Hunt

Amazing view as the Peloton rides past

Saxo Bank riding thru the village

So here I am deciding what to take and what not to take… These choices are very important, and not something taken lightly.

The first thing I have packed are my SIDI’s, pedals and riding gear. I think I’ve chosen what heels to take. There are three pairs so far but I would like to get that down to two by the 5 July.  There’s the LBD for the evening in Paris of the last stage, but that is it. Do I take jeans, shorts, what shirts? etc. etc. Ok, I know I’ll figure it out, but I really don’t want to pay nearly $500.00 excess on my return trip out of Brussels like last time. So some serious packing will be done this weekend.

I am looking forward to catching up with friends, helping out on the cycling trips and watching such an amazing race. I will try to keep you all up to date on what I’m doing, as well as throw in a few pictures when I can.

I’m also going on a small trip to Belgium/The Netherlands after the TdF to attend the Crits. So this will be a lot of fun and I’ll keep you all up to date on that as well.  Just found out I’ll be in Belgium for the Tour de  Wallonie, I’m looking forward to going to watch this race as my favourite rider, Philippe Gilbert should be riding. Hoping to have some exciting news and pictures from this race.

I hope you stay tuned, will post more updates once I get to France.

Au Revior, CycleGirl

P.S. Ohh, and thought you might like to see my shoes im taking

and my SIDI’s,  not going all the way to France and Belgium and not ride.

Born on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Adam was the Australian National Time Trial Champion in 2008. Adam is affectionally called “Croc Man”, a nickname he was given due to his racing in the tough outback Crocodile Trophy mountain bike race, which he has won two times.

Throughout the previous season, Adam has been dealing with injuries. It seems ‘Lady Luck’ has finally come his way with Adam recently winning the Ster Elektrotoer.

Team HTC-Columbia has very recently announced that he will be riding in his second Tour de France in 2010.

602nds: What is the one race you would like to win before you retire from cycling?
Adam: Australian Road Champs, I’d love to win that.

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2010?
Adam: To be at a great level again, and to do what happened in every year improve. Didn’t really happen in 2009 thou….

602nds: What is your all time cycling moment? (Could be about you or something you have seen)
Adam: Just the feeling being at my best and being in a race and showing it.

602nds: Do you remember your first bike you ever road?
Adam: Yep, saw it 4 days ago in my garage It’s a GT.

602nds: What or who inspired you to get involved in cycling?
Adam: I was a runner and I wanted to do duathlons, so my mother bought me a bike

602nds: Is there a current rider in the peloton that you most respect and why?
Adam: Philippe Gilbert, love how he races. If you not a sprinter, climber or GC rider then you have to do what he does. It’s always exciting to watch.

602nds: Do you think you would be doing for a living if you hadn’t been a pro cyclist?
Adam: Writing software.

602nds: You have been unlucky with injuries the past twelve months, how hard is it to see your team racing at a race that was a major goal for you and   do you avoid watching the race?
Adam: It’s always hard I guess. I don’t avoid watching races. I don’t have a TV so I have no choice but I always see the results on the web.

602nds: Everyone has an opinion on the Footon-Servetto kit, what are your thoughts?   Would you be happy wearing it? (hehehe)
Adam: My thoughts “it would motivate you to try hard at your national championships”.

602nds: The World championships are in Geelong, Australia this year.  Have you looked at the time trial & road courses and who do you think they best suit?
Adam: Hard to say. I have not really looked at it but from what I hear it’s not going to be a pure sprint day.

602nds: During the off-season, what do you do for fun?
Adam: Why does fun only happen in the off season?

602nds: What is the craziest thing that a fan has done on the side of the road whilst racing?
Adam: Well not craziest but in 2008 at the tour, I was in the slow group up the climb and this one guy yelled out, “Hey Adam (while running full gas next to the bunch, so imagine him breathing hard and gasping for air between words) I chat with your sister on facebook”……. thanks mate! Hope that’s all you do!

602nds: If you could spend a week out camping in the Australian Outback, minimal camping gear, with five riders, who would it, be an why?
Adam: Hahaha, you know I could pick 5 guys I really didn’t like. They would just die out there in the OZ outback 52 degrees with minimal camping gear. I did the crocodile trophy a few times and they had trouble surviving that, Euros! After saying that I don’t think it would be right to name 5 riders…..

602nds: You have ridden and won twice the infamous “Crocodile Trophy”, that features 1,200km/12,000m of mountain bike racing over 10 days. How hard is the race and how does it compare to riding in the Tour de France?  Will you ride the race again?
Adam: You’re asking me as I sit in Belgium in the freezing cold raining country. The Croc Trophy is hot, sunny, dry…… very dry. I do hope to be back, I like that race a lot and it starts in my backyard. It is harder; when I was doing it it was much longer and harder. It was 14 days and the stages were also much longer. The TDF is hard in the sense the racing is hard, the Croc is also hard like that, but not so much, but it is far harder mentally. When I did it from Darwin to Cairns, it was really in the middle of nowhere and the heat and openness really brings the worse out in people.

Here are the questions from Nikki Cyp, an Adam Hansen fan from the USA:

Nikki: Do you have any idols that you look up to?  In cycling, or in life?
Adam: In cycling I like Philippe Gilbert, like how he races. In non-cycling life would be my si-fu Martin Cholevík.

Nikki: Many riders like to watch videos while training at home, do you watch any to get through a few hours on the trainer, and if so what are they?
Adam: I like my share of movies…. I watch anything. But I must be entertained by this, by story or special effects. Jumper, Matrix, IP-Man, The Die Hards, Ice age list goes on.

Nikki: Are there any races you likes to watch for motivation?
Adam: Not really, YouTube have some good things but I don’t have a TV.

Nikki: What do you do to unwind and chill out after races?  Music, TV, calls to friends?
Adam: Anything and everything, Movies, friends and making something exciting in my house I always must be busy

602nds would like to thank Adam Hansen for taking the time to chat with us. We are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the cycling season turns out for Adam.

If you would like to stay tuned on what Adam is up to you can checkout his website (currently closed, being updated) http://www.adamhansen.com/

Pictures courtesy of http://www.jxpphotography.com.au/ & Elmar Krings

For those cycling fans in Australia who have wanted to wear the gear, and that now includes ladies, Rapha was officially launched in Australia last October when Rapha Condor Sharp raced at the Jayco Sun Tour.

Whilst orders are fulfilled out of the UK, the Australian customer base now has everything priced in AUD, $20 flat shipping no matter what the amount, free shipping for larger orders and a quick 3-6 day delivery from Fedex. Australian Customers also have a local distributer contact as well.

The Rapha range already has a large female customer base, many of whom have been wearing the men’s range for years. Rapha thought it was only fair that female cyclists should be able to enjoy Rapha but with a completely tailored fit.  This leads me to being lucky enough to review a few items from the new Rapha women’s range.

From previous reviews that I have done I have mentioned that looking good on the bike is just as important as feeling good whilst on the bike, and the gear that I was sent will have you looking good on the bike.

When I opened the package from Rapha I was pleasantly surprised. The Rapha gear was in a soft waterproof plastic bag, not the crappy plastic bags that you just throw away. The bag could be used to store the gear in when traveling, not bad I thought, with recycling helping the environment.

When I pulled the jersey out of the packaging I was instantly drawn to the quality of the jersey, it looked great and felt soft. I was thinking this jersey is going to feel nice on.  The jersey is made from sportwool™ (40% Merino & 60% Polyester), slightly narrower waist with being wider at the hips.

A full-length zip with Zip guard, three rear cargo pockets with a zip pocket for valuables and a sleeve for a pump. The jersey also has a drawcord to make easy adjustments to the jacket whilst riding. It’s not very often that I take my hands off the handlebars, due to my fantastic riding skills I hold on for dear life, but it was actually very easy to adjust the bottom of the jersey when required.

The jersey didn’t feel uncomfortable at all and I was surprised with how well the jersey fabric soaked up perspiration (women perspire not sweat I’ve always been told) without feeling wet or cold.  I had no rubbing from the zip or edges of the jersey, with no feeling of tightness around forearms or hips.  The classic design with the cream strip around the arm looks good and with the red jersey, you are sure to be noticed by other riders.

When purchased you also receive a complimentary set of matching arm warmers. The arm warmers have a brushed fleece inner and soft gripper tape to hold them in place. The times that I have used the arm warmers I have had no problems with them falling down.  The arm warmers are finished with contrast piping and colour-on-colour logos.

The women’s classic jersey and the matching arm warmers can only be improved by wearing them with the Rapha women’s shorts.

The Rapha shorts are made from a lightweight, durable stretch fabric, with a panel construction and the chamois pad from specialist manufacturer Cytech. The Shorts are very comfortable and have been made to ensure there is no rubbing in those places that can make riding the bike uncomfortable for women.

The little detail of having no stitching across the front of the waistband I think is fantastic, a known place for chaffing and annoying rubbing for women. I noticed the waist was a little higher than normal shorts with the rear of the shorts even higher, which made them, feel very comfortable. They are also longer in the leg so no worrying about the shorts riding up whilst on the bike. It’s like wearing spankx, but looking and feeling much better.

The chamois is good and I had no trouble with rubbing whilst riding and was feeling pretty good when I got off the bike. The Rapha shorts look great with the cream detail at the rear waist, reflective tape on the legs and the Rapha logos on both legs.

I must say that the Rapha Classic Jersey, matching arm warmers and shorts look fantastic when wearing them all together as a complete kit. The colours are vibrant and the small matching colour details on the arm warmers and shorts to match the jersey are a stylish touch.

The whole kit is very comfortable to wear and looks amazing on. For all the women out there that enjoy looking fantastic whilst feeling good on the bike, the Rapha kit is the kit for you. Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Rapha range and is looking forward to showing it off on my next ride.

I was also wearing the Rapha Stowaway Jacket and the Rapha Merino Socks with the rest of the kit which will be reviewed in the near future.

Rapha is supporting a grass-roots female cycling team in the UK which formed earlier this year. Rapha hope that it will further promote the growth of female cycling as it has been gaining momentum for some time.

If you would like to purchase this great looking kit or have a look at the Rapha Women’s Range then check it out here – Women’s Range

Images courtesy of Rapha

602nds thought it was about time we introduced the photographer who publishes his cycling work under the pseudonym ‘Kramon‘ to our readers and to find out about the man behind the camera.

602nds: Where does your passion for photography come from?
Kristof: When in film school, photography was one of the first classes we studied. I was immediately drawn to it and it stuck with me over the years. Even though I graduated as a ‘Master in Film’ I’ve always considered the still image equally powerful in its storytelling capabilities.

602nds: You are becoming well known for your pictures of cycling pro’s, what other work do you do?
Kristof: I started my pro-cycling photography as a personal project exactly 1 year ago (in the Spring Classic Brabantse Pijl / Belgium, 2009) but I have been active as a professional commercial photographer since 2008 (still alongside my freelance work as a TV and video director for Belgian National Television). I am mainly a portrait-photographer.

602nds: Your cycling project has a very unique way of capturing the rider, how did you decide this was how you wanted the pictures to look?
Kristof: In my commercial work I somehow photograph with the breaks on (ultimately you have clients to please…). The main reason for me to engage in personal work was that I didn’t want to feel restricted (creatively) in any way. I wanted to portray people in a very specific way (lighting wise) and wanted my pictures to have an extra ‘edgy’ look via post-processing techniques. I wanted the riders to look heroic before they engaged in battle by portraying them BEFORE the race. After doing this for a while in a very specific style I decided to experiment even further and just looked for ways to photograph cycling ‘in a different way’, trying NOT to shoot in a traditional way. This often meant walking around team buses with very awkward looking lighting constructions around me just to try out new stuff… much to the delight of many riders I must say.

602nds: Out of your cycling project is there one image that stands out ahead of others? And what is it about that picture?
Kristof: Over the first year I’ve been doing this, there are several pictures that stand out for some reason. Be it because of the technique in the making or the short personal encounter that goes with the taking of the picture. But one of my favourite pictures is a photo of Mikhail Ignatiev (Team Katusha) at Gent-Wevelgem2009. It’s everything coming together: the pose, the light, the rider… That image was very important to me and in the further development in how I wanted to proceed with this project. As a sidenote here: somehow most Eastern riders have ‘an air’ of pridely manner about them that works very well for my ‘heroic’ portraits. I love that!

602nds: Is there one rider that you would love the opportunity to organize a proper photo shoot with?
Kristof: Several! I do have a little weak spot for the Anglo-riders, Northern riders and the exotic ones (like Japanese rider Fumy Beppu). But one guy I would love to do a proper shoot with is George Hincapie. I have big respect for him as a rider and he seems like a very interesting character. Yup; ‘Captain America’ would be nice!

602nds: Do you hope that you can use your love of cycling photography to become a full-time job?
Kristof: Yes. But with my background as a video director I also see motion content becoming part of that job.

602nds: You photograph both road and cyclocross riders, is there one you prefer more than the other?
Kristof: I do prefer road-races: they are more international and have a greater amount of athletes to portray. It is pro-cycling on a much bigger scale. But saying this is like saying ‘I prefer vanilla over chocolate ice-cream’; I simply love them both!

602nds: CycloCross is not well known here in Australia and in some other countries around the world. Your photographs have drawn myself & I’m sure many others into to finding out more about the sport, how do you feel that your photographs can bring people into a sport they haven’t had anything to do with?
Kristof: I would be very honored if my pictures would do that and be helpful in internationalising the sport because it needs it desperately. It’s a wonderful sport: extremely intense and technical and very crowd-friendly.

602nds: What photography equipment do you use, and is there a piece of equipment that you would love to have that you believe will improve your pictures?
Kristof: I’m convinced that my best chances of improving as a cycling photographer lays in just keeping on doing this. The more you do it, the better and faster you get. The one other thing that might help me immensely is opportunities to shoot during the race. I’ve never worked with any accreditation, which means I cannot actively get into a pro-race… places are very restricted. We’ll see how that works out in the future.
As for gear: I use a pro-camera and lenses. I have my Speedlights. So most of the things I can think of I can do (theoretically). I have some lighting-ideas for big studio lights I don’t own. But my next focus would probably be in trying to capture the same atmosphere as my pictures in video. 2010 will bring that with it I guess and hope.

602nds: If you were offered to come and photograph one of the Professional cycling teams for a season, who would it be and why?
Kristof: I just did Paris-Roubaix inside one of the support cars of HTC-Columbia. That was amazing! Also Bob Stapleton liked my work and suggested that more of these opportunities might be possible. I’d love to take him up on that sometime soon. But working for and inside several teams over time is what I’d love to do. Especially the ‘newer’ teams got my interest: Sky, Saxo, Cervélo, BMC, Radioshack, Garmin,…

602nds: And along the same lines, if you were offered to be the official photographer for one race, what race would it be and why?
Kristof: The obvious thing to say here is The Tour’ of course, and I would love to do it at least once… but I would love to ‘pick’ one of the contenders and start following and photographing him way before the actual event. Say, starting in winter and follow him all the way to Paris. That would be awesome!

602nds: Is there a photographer that you would love to work with?
Kristof: My countryman Stefan Vanfleteren who has a very unique style and who often portrays cyclists. He is a man who I look up to. I’d love to see him work up close.

602nds: Is there a cycling picture that you have seen and wished you had taken the picture?
Kristof: Only about a zillion.

Kristof has provided 602nds with a group of his favourite cycling photographs that he would like to share with our readers.

1.   Mikhail Ignatiev, Gent-Wevelgem 2009

2.   George Hincapie, Gent-Wevelgem 2010

3.   Team Saxo Bank, Paris-Roubaix 2010

4.   Fabian Cancellara, Paris-Roubaix 2010

5.   Fumiyuki “Fumy” Beppu, 3daagse van West-Vlaanderen 2010

6.   Tyler Farrar, 3 Daagse van De Panne 2010

7.   Bjarne Riis, Amstel Gold Race 2010

8.   Tom Meeusen, Superprestige Vorselaar 2010

9.   Klaas Vantornout, Superprestige Vorselaar 2010

10. Zdenek Stybar, Parkcross Maldegem 2010

11. Enrico Franzoi, UCI WorldCup Hoogerheiden 2010

602nds would like to thank Kristof for taking the time to catch-up with us and for letting 602nds publish his photographs with our interviews. We are also looking forward to watching how the cycling pictures are captured on video and your next set of photographs.

If you would like to view more of Kristof’s amazing work, which I highly recommend you do, you can check out at his website: http://www.kramon.be/.

Kristof Ramon

Photography Courtesy of Kristof Ramon

Visit Kramon’s Flickr gallery for more images

Kurt currently rides for UCI Professional Cycling Team, Team Sky. He turned Professional in 1998 and has ridden for Pro teams Asics, Riso Scotti & Team Fakta; including 6 years with Team CSC (now Team Saxo Bank).

Kurt is an all rounder on the road  and the Classic Races are his speciality. He has won many races since turning professional, including E3 Prijs Vlaanderen, Ster Elektrotoer, as well as stage wins in the Tour de France, Giro d’italia and TTT Vuelta a España.

Kurt has won the Norwegian National Road Championships five times, also winning the Norwegian National Time Trial Championships twice. In 1997 as an amateur Kurt won the U23 World Road Race Championship.

Unfortunately, Kurt’s start to the 2010 cycling season was interrupted when he crashed in stage 2 at the Tour of Qatar. I’m certain Kurt’s Norwegian fans, as well as his fans from all around the world are looking forward seeing him race on the cobbled roads during the Classics Season.

Hope you all enjoy this 602nds interview with Kurt Asle Arvesen.

602nds: What is the one race you would like to win before you retire from cycling?
Kurt: I’d like to win Ronde van Vlaanderen.

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2010?
Kurt: Good form in the TdF

602nds: What is your all time cycling moment?
Kurt: Winning Stage 11 at the TdF in 2008

602nds: Is there a current rider in the peloton that you most respect and why?
Kurt: Jens Voigt, because the person he is

602nds: What do you think you would be doing for a living if you hadn’t been a pro cyclist?
Kurt: Farmer

602nds: How hard is it to see your team racing at a race that was a major goal for you, and not be able to be there when recovering from an Injury? Do you avoid watching the race?
Kurt: I follow the race, if I am injured I cope with that and get back

602nds: How different is training for the TdF then training for the Classics? Do you do anything different?
Kurt: More stage races before TdF, the rest is the same

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just starting out riding?
Kurt: Give yourself time

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races, or a lucky charm etc
Kurt: No. I don`t believe in that

602nds: When you were recovering from your shoulder surgery this year you were tweeting some beautiful looking pictures of where you lived. Where is your favourite place to holiday or do you prefer to stay home when the cycling season finishes?
Kurt: I like to see the world, been around, but the best place is Eresfjord, on the northwest coast of Norway.

602nds: I’ve been lucky to be on Alpe d‘Huez when the TdF finishes on top, there were so many Norwegian fans camped out cheering for you. How do you feel when riding past them? And what has been the craziest thing a fan has done during a race?
Kurt: It’s really nice to have fans, the support from the side of the road keeps you moving… But cyclist don’t drink beers in the race, many try to give us that…

602nds would like to thank Kurt for his time and wishes him a successful 2010 season.

If you wish to keep track of what Kurt is up to you can follow him on Facebook, twitter or the Official Kurt Asle Arvesen Website.

Pictures courtesy of teamsky.com & kurtaslearvesen.no

Ted currently rides for UCI Professional Continental Team, Cervélo Test Team (CTT). He is 27 years old and an American cyclist from Brentwood, New Hampshire. He previously rode for the USA U23 National team in 2005, Bissell Pro Cycling Team from 2006 – 2008 and then joined CTT in 2009.

Ted has his own Blog called “I am Ted King” which in the last year has grown among the cycling fans as the place to go to find out what is or isn’t the correct way to wear anything from the colour of bibs & brace, shoe covers, gloves etc etc . Ted also enjoys baking; in a recent interview with Podium Cafe the topic turned to how he had been making pumpkin bread and experimenting with different ingredients. Ted is a man who cooks, looks after his appearance and if you have recently read his tweets on twitter, is funny. Most of all he can ride a bike and is well respected by fans and riders in the Peloton.

602nds hopes you enjoy our interview with Ted King.

602nds: What is the one race you would like to win before you retire from cycling?
Ted: Amstel Gold. That race is just straight up rad. After busting my arm at Tour of California, Amstel was one of the first races in my European reintroduction. Amstel is like a six hour criterium – it’s so hard, so fast, and so mentally draining to be switched ON for that long, but I loved every minute of it. Plus they give out cool little Amstel beer beanie hats to the 100,000 fans lining the roads. Does not get much better than that!

Note to Ted: Ohh, I didn’t get a Amstel beer beanie last year when there, maybe you can grab one for me this year! (CycleGirl)

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2010?
Ted: I want to start my winning in Europe. Sure, that answer doesn’t sound very lofty, but in truth it is. The style of racing is so much different in Europe as compared to back in the States that it’s virtually a different sport. The learning curve is steep and in 2010 I have a lot of experience across the board – how to train properly, how to read and react to races, plus another year living in this nutty lifestyle – so I plan on putting that into action this year.

602nds: What is your all time cycling moment?
Ted: I’m at a loss coming up with a answer that is equally ambiguous as this question. But I simply can’t do it. My “all time cycling moment”…?

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who  is just started out riding?
Ted: Ride more. If you’re new to the sport, lots of volume should help you out tremendously. The huge asterisk besides that piece of advice is that you should have someone overseeing your training so as to not burn yourself out. You don’t need to make the investment (yet) into a coach, but having a mentor is helpful. Hmm, now looking at this answer I’ve provided you with two tips to someone starting out: ride more and get a mentor. Maybe a better piece of advice is learning how to use clip-less pedals on a nice soft grassy lawn rather than unforgiving pavement.

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races, or a lucky charm etc…
Ted: Nope. I think superstitions are bunk. I just do the stuff that I have to do by default – get kitted up, pack the jersey pockets with bars and gels, sign on, blah blah blah.

602nds: If your iPod  was broken and it could only play one song continuously.. What would it be?
Ted: I’ve been rocking out to Sophia Fresh’s What It Is featuring Kanye pretty non-stop since getting the song last week, but I might go nuts if it was forever. Alternatively, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, or “Rach 3″ to the layperson, is pretty amazing. I am 100% serious.

602nds: If you could go out to dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
Ted: Anthony Bourdain seems to be a fascinating fellow. His affinity to food, adventures, and abrasive style would make for an entertaining dinner.

602nds: If you had $1000.00 USD to go and buy one piece of clothing what would it be?
Ted: I’d buy a $75 pair of jeans and pocket $925. Dropping big bucks for clothes is just nutty. $1000 is nearly worthy of an entire wardrobe – not a single piece of clothing. King of Style (KoS) endorses frugality as much as looking really really good.

602nds: Do you check out what the other cyclists wear when going out and give them advice when needed?
Ted: No ma’am. They should learn through osmosis. See what I’m wearing and try to parallel it with their own bit of flair.

602nds: Being such a Style guru, everyone has an opinion on the Footon-Servetto kit, what are your thoughts?
Ted: I’m partial to avoiding controversy, so no comment is as much of an answer as you’ll squeeze out of me. But perhaps you’ll be able to read between the lines on that one to get my true opinion.

602nds: Apart from yourself, Who else in the Team cuts a fine look when dressed up to go out..
Ted: “Cuts a fine look.” That’s some brilliant phrasing, I like it. Not because they don’t look good, but because it’s such an awkward question to answer, I will avoid responding to this question.

602nds: Your “I am Ted King” website sells “I am not Ted King” shirts and stickers with 50% to 100% of proceeds donated to the Krempels Center – New Life After Brain Injury. Can you tell is a little about the charity and how the “I am Not Ted King” came about?

Ted: My father suffered a very unexpected and life altering stroke at the age of 57. I won’t go long windily into it, but you can read in more detail about it here.

That episode has taught me an entire life’s worth of lessons. Seeing how Dad and my family have progressed through this brain injury has been remarkably inspiring. I’ve wanted to give back in any way I could, so once I saw there was a demand for these items, selling them was a pretty straightforward beginning.

As for the origins of the name, TedKing.com was already taken by an American soap opera actor. So in search of something a little more original, I came up with iamtedking.com. I had a contest on my site to come up with the logo which resulted in the iamtedking logo you see today. From there it was shirts, but pre-production, people were saying that they want shirts with not thrown in there. Blah blah blah, the iamnottedking logo was born.

602nds would like to wish Ted King a successful 2010 cycling season, and would like to thank him for taking the time to chat with us.If you want to keep up to date on what the KoS, Ted King is up to, you can follow him on his Blog: “I am Ted King“ or follow his daily twitter tweets.

If you would like to help support Ted’s charity,the Krempels Center – New Life After Brain Injury, then check out Ted’s “I am Not Ted King” t-shirts and stickers.

Photos courtesy of Cervelo Test Team

Steven currently rides for UCI Professional Team Garmin-Transitions. Steven resides in Petaluma California, where he bases himself during the European winter, with the rest of the time he is based with team-mates in Girona. Steven specialises on the road in time trial, climbing, stage RR & the classics.

Steven started racing at 15 years old after breaking his shoulder in a high school wrestling match , and then raced in Europe when he was 16 with an Italian Junior Team and also the USA National Team. He has competed for USA at the World Road & TT Championships as a junior, U23 & Elite rider. In 2005 Steven won the USA U23 ITT (Individual Time Trial) Championship.  Steven is well known for being a character in the Peloton with his “moustache” taking on its own identity back in 2008.

Hope you all enjoy this 602nds interview with Steven Cozza.

602nds: What is the one race you would like to win before you retire from cycling?
Steven: Paris – Roubaix. Every day, I dream of winning that race one day. Last year was my first time competing there and I had a great time racing in the breakaway all day.

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2010?
Steven: Well now that I destroyed my collarbone in just the first race of the year, my new goal is to come back as strong as possible and as soon as possible before the Belgian Classics.

602nds: What is your all time cycling moment?
Steven: Oh boy, this is a tough question. I have had a lot of great cycling memories over the years. I would have to say being in the breakaway at the 2008 TOC while my moustache was in top form and seeing a whole family of kids and parents all wearing fake moustaches cheering me on up one of the climbs. I thought that was really cool to see that a family was having a good time watching the race and cheering me on. I love seeing the fans smile as we race by. I really loved racing in the Tour of Poland last year because the fans were just so happy to have us racing through their towns. That really inspires me to keep racing my bike.

602nds: Who/What inspired you to become a cyclist?
Steven: I started racing BMX bikes and then mountain bikes. When I was 16, I broke my shoulder in a high school wrestling accident. I couldn’t ride the mountain bike for a whole year so I rode on the road. This was in 1999 when Lance won his first Tour de France. Since then, I have been in love with the sport of cycling.

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just started out riding?
Steven: Yes of course, have lots of fun. Never forget that you ride a bike because of how fun it is and because of the way it makes you feel. We all have our bad days and the days we don’t want to even think of touching a bike, but overall, it should be fun. Never quit on your dreams and never count yourself out because of what others may say. Listen to your own heart.

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races, or a lucky charm etc…?
Steven: I used to have a lot of rituals and superstitions. It started getting nuts and I got too carried away with them all. I just go out now and ride my butt off.

602nds: If your iPod was broken and it could only play one song continuously. What would it be?
Steven: It would have to be “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred. This song is one of my all time favourites.

602nds: Is there one rider in the Peloton that you always end up having a chat with whilst riding?
Steven: It’s always a good chat with Danny Pate. He talks non-stop.

602nds: Everyone has an opinion on the Footon-Servetto kit, what are your thoughts?   Would you be happy wearing it?
Steven: I’m not sure what this one looks like.  If it’s as weird sounding as their name, I’m sure it’s pretty awful. I think my team definitely looks the best out there in the peloton.

602nds: We know that sports stars all over the world are talked about being “Role Models” for the sport they are representing, the fans & media can’t get enough of the stars when they are at the top.  But, when they fall from grace the media & fans can be nasty & unfair.
Do you think that the term ‘Role Model” should also involve these sports stars private life?  Should there be a line where the fans & media shouldn’t cross?
Steven: It really depends on the athlete himself. We all have our different personalities. If you take a guy like Muhammad Ali, he would have invited the whole paparazzi over for dinner. He loved the attention and he could make people smile by just being himself. I think that is so cool when an athlete of great status opens his doors to the rest of the world. Cycling is one of the only sports in the world where the fans can truly get up and close to some of their favourite athletes. It’s part of the sport of cycling. We all signed up for it when we decided to be professional cyclists.

602nds: We know that you are now recovering from having an operation on your collarbone, what do you do to keep yourself busy all day?
Steven: This is not the only time I have had to come back from injury. I am very good at keeping busy. My girlfriend, Jen, arrived the other day as well to help me out since I only have one arm right now. My days consist of riding the indoor trainer as hard and long as I can. I am also doing workouts in the gym to keep my leg strength as strong as possible.

602nds: Are you a beer or wine man? And what is your Favourite?
Steven: I’m neither a beer nor wine man. I prefer a nice glass of orange juice or a glass of agave nectar mixed with rice milk after a hard training ride.

602nds: You have started the “Race for kids Fan club” on your website, Can you tell us a little about the cause & why you chose to do it?
Steven: The “Race for Kids Fan Club” is something I decided to start to raise money for disadvantaged children around the world. Fans of mine can join my fan club by donating to one of the selected youth charities on my web page and in return they will become official fan club members - as well as receiving an autographed racer card and earning the chance to win cool Team Garmin prizes in our monthly drawings. I have always believed in giving back and helping others in the world. The Race for Kids Fan Club inspires me so much when I am out training 4 to 5 hours a day, rain or shine. My goal is to raise over one million dollars for children charities.

602nds: How can the readers become involved in the cause?
Steven: They can go to my web page (www.stevencozza.com) and become an official member of my Steven Cozza Race for Kids Fan Club.

602nds would like to thank Steven for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish him all the best for the 2010 Cycling Season, and a speedy recovery from his latest injury.

If you want to keep track of  what Steven is up to, you can follow him on twitter or his facebook fan page.

602nds encourages all readers to support Steven’s cause “Race for Kids Fan Club” .

Photo Courtesy of Kristof Ramon

Visit Kramon’s Flickr gallery for more images

Tiffany is currently studying an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Studies. When not riding she is designing her own cycling apparel range. The range is designed exclusively by Tiffany and made in Australia by cycle clothing company Triple Play. Tiffany released her first line of cycling wear in 2009, called Tiffany Jane Signature Collection, with the motto being “look gorgeous, feel great”. Tiffany’s second line, Tiffany Jane Star Gazer Collection was released in January 2010.

602nds was lucky to meet up with Tiffany at the recent Tour Down Under in Adelaide to discuss the new range. Tiffany’s aim for the new range is to expand the market to a wider range of women. The aim is to have a simple yet effective design with the main focal point being the star. I had the opportunity to view both designs, and I must say they captured my eye straight away.

The first thing that came to mind was “wow”, this gear will match my bike. The Star Gazer Collection includes a white & two tone pink and a black, purple & blue kit, with the Star Gazer star featuring in the design. Tiffany left me with the black, blue & purple Star Gazer kit to review. If I had seen this kit in a shop it definitely would have made me stop and have a look.

The jersey is manufactured using ‘Tri-Flow’ fabric (exclusive to Triple Play), fitted with a full length (exposed) zip and three rear pockets for storage. The jersey is very comfortable to wear, with no tightness around the arms and the length of the jersey long enough that it didn’t creep up whilst riding. The bib ‘n’ brace knicks are made with premium 245-250gsm lycra, utilising Sorbtech moisture management fabric with over locked seams.

The knick is fitted with high density chamois, industry leading gel grip technology used on leg cuff to keep them in place and finished with a light and breathable mesh bib. I found the bib ‘n’ brace knick comfortable when on, there was no pulling down of the leg cuffs and no rubbing of the chamois or feeling uncomfortable (not a good thing when riding or after you finish riding).

As a lady who loves looking good and feeling good whilst riding the Tiffany Jane Star Gazer Collection is a great looking women’s cycling kit. Tiffany’s motto is “look gorgeous, feel great”, this kit definitely made myself feel both.

So, if you are looking for a stylish kit, that has a great design and with a bit of flair, then the Tiffany Jane Collection is for you. Check out the Tiffany Jane Website for more information.

All images courtesy of CJT Design