How did your signing to the OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team team come about?

I knew Daniel, the team DS, through a different cycling channel. I got word that he was looking for a sprinter, backed myself to be able to fill that role and applied. After a month or so Daniel got back to me and told me I was successful. I could not believe what I was reading the day it came in, my mind was blank all save a huge “WOW!”

How is it being the sole Australian on the team?

As I’m the one coming into an Asian team the onus is really on me to adapt to all that comes with the Asian culture and therefore how they choose to run a team. There has been a lot of learning, but to experience something so far removed from what I have grown up with I feel can only be positive. The flip side is that a lot of Aussie expressions, humour and even my accent gets lost in translation (in spite of everyone on the team speaking English). I’m trying to work a bit of it in (Vegemite is one, but it’s a bit of a losing battle with all but one of my team mates), but reality is I have to think a little before I do some things. Again, goes back to onus being on me to adapt and try to be as respectful to their culture as I can.

What have been your impressions of the cycling culture in Asian countries?

It is certainly on the rise. In spite of the size of Singapore (and the traffic!) it’s immensely popular. However to avoid all the cars it’s not uncommon for my team mates (when back home) to be up and riding by 4:30 in the morning! I thought I had it rough back home when I had to meet a 5:30 bunch, the boys take it to the next level. In a lot of ways though they are foced in to it, as not only does the traffic get crazy but the heat and humidity kicks in. So they are all early risers!

You had the opportunity to race in the Tour of Langkawi UCI sanctioned event. Apart from the disappointment of withdrawing due to illness, how was the experience?

Overwhelmingly I felt a huge sense of honour. Coming into the team and to be given a spot on what is arguably the biggest race at present in Asia was huge. Then to be rolling along in the peloton alongside guys like Alexander Vinokourov, Dave Zabriskie and Andre Guardini (the latter two I actually spent a bit of time with, given we’re all on about the same level of climbing ‘prowess’) was incredible. Also gave me a bit of self-belief and got me to think I might actually be able to race at this level. Was also great chatting to riders of different nationalities (anyone who knows me knows I love a chat). A few of the Farnese Vini guys were great and struggled along with my very poor Italian. Still managed to have a chat about their bikes and the race, which was great.

Funniest was probably with Vino, was next to him and near the back on the day the peloton was at full gas (Stage 3 I think) for the final 30km to pull back the break. I laughed and said to him “crazy finish eh” and he laughed back “good tempo”. We were doing between 55-60km/h! Flat road. Fun times!

The OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team is the new kid on the bloke. What are the teams and your goals for 2012?

We are really hoping to get ourselves noticed and some podiums. Loh Sea Keong has come into the team, not only did he have a great Langkawi but has also really helped instil an aim that whenever breaks go we want to have someone covering it. That way at the very least we’re getting the sponsor’s name out there but also making sure we’re in a position to possibly be in the mix for the finish.

I read that none of the riders are paid an allowance. How does a man survive?

It’s tough. When I was confirmed for the team I started saving like mad, which is what is getting me by at the moment. It’s been said many times and is very true, you don’t get into cycling to get rich. Which is fine by me, as I feel there’s no real ‘mercenaries’, everyone is in the sport and racing because they love it and have a real passion. Besides which, without that you get found out pretty quickly.

Singapore is big for karaoke, have you belted out any Cold Chisel tunes as yet?

Haha! Funny you say that. Had the iPod in a week or so ago and Driving Wheels came on (yes, I know it’s not Cold Chisel but still Jimmy!). Anyway, figured no one knows me or the song so belted it out at the top of my lungs. Was pretty cathartic! And because I’m not in Australia my logic said it doesn’t make me a bogan.

You are obviously a rider who had a dream to race with a pro team, any advice for a young kid with a similar vision?

Never, ever, take no for an answer. I had it a lot and am still getting it, but made a vow to never let it get me down. Like the saying goes, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Take stock of what approach you took, look at what you think went wrong, and try, try again.

Who was your favourite rider growing up?

I was pretty late getting into cycling, only started watching a bit in the late 90’s and didn’t get ‘fully’ intoit until mid 2000’s. Boonen and Stuie O’Grady were two I looked up to. And after the 2008 Milan San-Remo Fabian. Favourite would still be Fabian now. That said, there are so many Aussie riders who leave me in awe. From Cam Meyer to local guys like Tom Leper and my local club president John Burtt. The latter of which is pushing 60, yet still rides open men’s and still has a very good kick on him. He was in fact the main man who got me in to racing, encouraged me to push myself and keeps my feet on the ground – so I have a lot to be very thankful to him for.

What’s next on your calendar?

Tour of Philippines, starting on the 14^th of April. It’s taking an incredible 3 flights to get there from our base here in Chiang Mai. I’m really starting to appreciate why sportsmen and women really have a dislike for airports…

Do you have a favourite ride back home in Australia?

Anything along the Great Ocean Road. I’m pretty spoiled to have such an incredible coast line at my disposal for training. The best rides are along there with the boys on an easy day. This normally follows a big night – so lots of talk about the antics we got up to.

You and three guests of your choice sit down at Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling…who are the guests and why?

Tom Waits would certainly be first choice. Dig his tunes and he seems like a crazy cat. Plus he tells some great tales on stage and loves a drink, so makes perfect sense to have him along.

Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets. They come as a double act, so by my reckoning they count as one. Whenever I’m feeling a little down and need a laugh I pop some of their clips on YouTube on, hilarity ensures.

Monica Bellucci. She would not need to say a word. What a woman.

To follow Nick’s progress then check out either the official team website or follow Nick on Twitter

Colin, although a cycling fan from a young age, didn’t become involved in the sport competitively until unforeseen circumstances lead to unforeseen outcomes. Whilst playing Rugby Colin endured a significant injury which resulted in ongoing surgeries, which eventually led to the amputation of his leg. It wasn’t until 2008, at the age of 37 and after cycling 300 miles from London to Paris to raise money for charity that Colin made the transition from ‘Amputee’ to ‘Paracyclist.’ Since then Colin has amassed an impressive palmarès.

Having won gold medals in the C2 Time Trial at the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships and in the Pursuit at the Track World Championships in Denmark, 2011 and California, 2012 respectively, Colin, in the final of the Men’s C2 three kilometre Pursuit, beat China’s World Record holder Gui Hua Liang and secured what would be his greatest accomplishment to date; a dual World Champion in both road and track cycling arenas.

602nds: Who is Colin Lynch?  How did you get started?  What motivated you to ride competitively?
Colin: For me, it all started when I was 15 years old watching Greg LeMond win the ’86 Tour de France. It was the first time I had ever seen professional cycling and something about it just made me want to ride a bike. I started racing later that year.

602nds: Where did your overall passion for cycling come from? Is there someone who inspired you to become a cyclist?
Colin: I rode a bike (like most kids) from an early age. As I mentioned before, it was [by] watching LeMond win the Tour that got me interested in the sport competitively. After I lost my leg, cycling was one of the only sports I could still do at a high level despite my injury. So it’s something that I gravitated back to naturally.

602nds: What was the path that you took to become a Paracycling World Champion?
Colin: A few years ago I was working at British Cycling and got to meet many of their Paralympic cyclists. This was just prior to them departing for the Beijing Paralympics. It really opened my eyes to what was possible and available for ‘disabled’ cyclists. About a year later I got in touch with the Irish Paracycling team and they gave me a trial. I raced for them a few times that year and while I didn’t get great results, it gave me a taste. I doubled my efforts in the following years and finally had my breakthrough year in 2011 – winning the Time Trial World Championship.

602nds: What is your main goal in cycling for the 2012 season?
Colin: Despite 2012 being a Paralympic year, I actually have several goals this year. The first was to win a World Championship on the track which I did in February in Los Angeles. I also would like to win the overall World Cup series on the road and the big one is to win 2 gold medals in London.

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Colin: I would love to win a road race World Championship title before I give it all up, so that I have the full set of jerseys (road, track, time trial). And to win at least one gold medal in the Paralympics. If I can hold onto my fitness long enough, I’d also like to compete in Rio in 2016.

602nds: How did you feel when you were up on the podium putting on the Rainbow Jersey? What were you thinking?
Colin: It all feels a little surreal when it’s happening. There’s definitely a worry for me that someone is going to come along and tell me they made a mistake and that I haven’t won! It usually takes a few hours before it all sets in. And then the realization that you’re going to have to work even harder to win another one comes along and you get to work planning on how to do that.

602nds: You ride both Road and Track cycling events. Which event do you find most enjoyable and why?
Colin: I find the road more interesting. Just being outdoors watching the scenery go by is far more interesting that following a black line in a circle on the track. My favourite event is actually the road race, despite me being really poor at it!

602nds: You are aiming to ride both the Track and Time Trial at London 2012 Paralympics; Is the training and preparation different?
Colin: In London my 2 target events are the time trial and the individual pursuit on the track. The training for both these events is similar and can be done at the same time. If you look at a rider like Bradley Wiggins who came from a track background and is one of the best TT riders in the world, you can see how the skills overlap.

602nds: What is your pre-race preparation? Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
Colin: Nothing special. I like to eat a bowl of porridge a few hours before a race and then just go through a set warm-up routine on my turbo trainer. Consistency is the key.

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?
Colin: Obviously – Greg LeMond. Also – Fabian Cancellara, Philippe Gilbert, Chris Boardman and Stephen Roche. The modern guys because they are my 2 favourites and the older guys because of the influence they have had on the sport (and still do in some ways). As for what I would make? My signature dish: Beef Wellington.

602nds: Imagine your iPod is broken and can only play one song continuously. What would it be?
Colin: I sometimes put this song on repeat when I warm up, so it’s almost like the iPod is broken! Rock Star by N.E.R.D.  Something about it just gets my heart beating faster and ready to race.

602nds: Are you a skinny latte, soy latte, full cream latte, flat white or double shot espresso type of cyclist?
Colin: Given the choice, I’m actually a mocha man. But when I stop for a coffee at a cafe in Majorca on a training run, it’s a café con leche for me (flat white).

602nds: What are some of the things you have had to sacrifice for hours of rigorous training? Do you ever regret any of this?
Colin: The volume of training (in a normal year) isn’t actually all the much. In an Olympic year though, the demands go up, especially as you have to prepare for both the road and the track. I have a limited social life but it isn’t really a big sacrifice. The biggest thing you have to give up – is food. At least food that isn’t good for you! I (mostly) gave up alcohol years ago, so that wasn’t a problem for me now.

602nds:  It’s the end of the season and I have the opportunity to ask how the 2012 Cycling year was for you; What would you like to be able to tell your fans?
Colin: I would say it was the best year of my life! Double World and Paralympic Champion. What’s not to like!

602nds: What has been your proudest moment on the bike?
Colin: It was my first win on the International level when I won a gold medal in the time trial in a World Cup race in Australia last year. I beat the reigning World Champion that day for the first time (and it was the start of a string of victories against him). It proved that I belonged at that level and gave me the confidence to go on and continue to win.

Keep up to date on Colin’s latest achievements on Twitter @TTworldchamp or read his blog at http://637daystogo.blogspot.com

Follow Colin at the 2012 London Paralympics, from 29 August – 9 September 2012. You can find out more information at the 2012 Paralympic Official Site.

602nds would like to thank Colin for taking the time to chat with us and we wish him a successful 2012 and hope that his dreams of Olympic Gold come true.

Photos courtesy of Colin Lynch

The 22yo rider was born in Perth, Western Australia and has won World Championship medals in both the junior and senior ranks.

Josie had her start as a road cyclist and had an extremely successful junior career representing Australia at the Junior World Championships.

Moving to track, Josie has an impressive palmares; as a junior winning the World Championship in the Pursuit race, and Individual Pursuit race at the same time smashing the Individual Pursuit junior world record.

In 2009 Josie won the World Championships in the Omnium and in 2010 in the Teams Pursuit. With 2012 being an Olympic year, Josie has her eye on the gold at the London Olympic games.

602nds: What is your main goal for the 2012 World Track Championships?
Josie: My one and only goal for the Worlds is to get back on the top step of the podium and be crowned world Teams Pursuit champion again!!

602nds: What races will you be riding at the 2012 World Track Championships?
Josie: We have not been told what races we will be riding, but for the last two years I have been focussing only on the Teams Pursuit.

602nds: Is the lead up to the 2012 Track World Championships any different to previous years due to the Olympics being held in August?
Josie: The lead up has felt a bit different because we all know the biggest target of the season is the Olympics, rather than the Worlds.

602nds: The 2012 Track World championships is not only a chance to wear the coveted Rainbow Jersey & be a World Champion, all cyclists competing are also in contention for a place at the London Olympics. Does this place more pressure on you and on the Australian women’s team?
Josie: I think Australia are in a pretty good position with qualification points for the Olympics, but there is definitely pressure on all of us girls within the Australian team to be one of the three riders who get out there on the track! Pressure is good though; it keeps us all on our toes and never lets us become complacent.

602nds: If at the end of the season I came and spoke to you and asked you how your 2012 Track Cycling year was for you, what would you like your response to be?
Josie: I hope I will still be pinching myself at the thought of calling myself an Olympic champion.

602nds: What has been your proudest moment on the bike?
Josie: My proudest moments on the bike were probably winning my first senior World title in the Omnium in 2009 and then the Teams Pursuit in 2010.

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Josie: I have had two goals since I started cycling – to become World Champion and Olympic Champion. I have achieved the first one, and am doing everything I can to hopefully achieve the second one in a few months!

602nds: Where did your passion for cycling come from? Is there someone who inspired you to become a cyclist?
Josie: I have always been a sporty girl and always knew I wanted to represent Australia at the Olympics for a sport, however, it took me a while to figure out what sport exactly. I ran, I played hockey, I swam, I did triathlons, I did every sport and then I got hooked on track cycling.

602nds: What is your pre-race preparation? Any superstitions or rituals?
Josie: I do have a few things I always wear because I am a little bit superstitious. I wear a piece of jewellery that I received from the important people In my life because I think it helps to have them out there with me and I always do the same warm up before every Teams Pursuit.

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?
Josie: I would probably just invite some of my team mates who happen to be some very close friends of mine and also Tiffany Cromwell because she is one of my closest friends AND an amazing cook, so she could cook for me because I am hopeless!

Follow Josie throughout the 2012 season and stay tuned during the Olympics by checking out her official website josietomic.com

Fans can also follow Josie on her official Twitter account @josietomic

602nds would like to thank Josie for taking the time to chat with us and we wish her a successful 2012 and hope that her dreams of Olympic gold come true.

Photos credit Attila Kisbenedek & Josie Tomic Official Website.

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.