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.

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

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

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Marco.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

602nds: When did you first start Cycling?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Part 1 I went through the simple process of setting up the account and uploading information and logos for the design. With Part 2 I take you through the design and confirmation process.

Design

With 602nds’ colours being black, red and white, I was inspired by the design of the Cervelo Test Team kit having similar colours and bold logos. The proposed ‘Cervelo’ concept was described as accurately as possible in the hope that the design brief would be interpreted by the Champion System graphic designer.

Within a couple of days of submitting all the information for the Champion System designer an email was received providing instructions to log into the control panel on the website to view the design proofs. The proofs are viewed as JPEG files within the web browser and can be downloaded locally to the computer.

After viewing the proof I was provided two options – Yes, to approve or No, to make changes. With the proofs almost looking right, some minor changes were required to make them look exactly as I wanted. A brief description of the changes was provided and submitted. The same process was repeated for each of the kit items – jersey, bibs, wind vest and cap.

Again, within a couple of days an email was received prompted me to review the changes. This time all was good and I was ready to approve and sign-off the design.

Sizing

To confirm sizing, a sample pack can be requested free of charge providing a range of sizes for trying on. The sample pack arrived within a couple of days and needed to be sent back at the expense of the client after confirming sizes.

For mens jerseys, sizing is available if two different cuts – Race cut and Club cut. The Race cut is very streamlined providing a more European cut that is designed to be worn tight and close to the body. The Club cut jersey is a more relaxed cut and more suitable for those who know their cycling limitations and don’t have the cut athletic build to suit.

Knowing our own physical limitations we had no hesitation to go with the Club cut jersey. Jersey cuts are also available for women and children.

Good to go

Upon confirmation of sizes and quantities a spreadsheet is provided to fill in. Prices are self calculated with the balance due being the total price minus the deposit previously paid during the setting up of the account (described in Part 1).

Having completed and submitted the spreadsheet, finalising the order and paying the balance we eagerly wait for the completed 602nds kit which will take a few weeks to arrive.

Although the initial manufacturing run will be limited, we will have a very small quantity available for purchase. Please contact us if interested.

After many months of thought and research, 602nds are pleased to present the final design of our Champion System custom cycling kit.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series when we receive the gear.

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.

1. Low quantities – We were wanting an initial run of around ten jerseys, bibs and caps.
2. Design flexibility – Although we had a vague idea of the proposed jersey we needed them fully designed for minimal if not free design cost.
3. Quality – There is nothing worse than buying average quality cycling clothing when you spend so long in the saddle. Although possibly a contradiction, we wanted the best quality for the best price.
4. Value for money – Like all of us, we wanted the jerseys to be as cheap as possible whilst still being the best possible quality… long shot?

With these requirements we researched manufacturers to find Champion System being able to meet all of our needs.

Champion System have offices in the USA, Europe and Australia with manufacturing in China. Jerseys are described as being excellent quality with full sublimation printing that ensures the artwork is printed directly into the weave of the fabric, just like the pro jerseys.

Set-up

After getting in contact with Champion System we were provided clear instructions by email on how to proceed in getting the ball rolling.

After providing an idea of what gear we required an invoice was received requiring a deposit payment of 50% of the proposed order. The deposit provides a commitment to Champion System who from this point on provide unlimited free design.

The deposit was paid by electronic funds transfer and confirmation provided the following day by the Australian representative that the funds had been received. An email was promptly sent providing login and password information to access the Customer Control Panel within the Champion Systems website.

Design

Upon entering the Customer Control Panel instructions are provided for uploading graphics and providing a description to the Champion System graphic designers for how the jersey and other pieces of the kit might look.

The Champion System website has a gallery of jersey pictures and templates that can be downloaded for your own purposes of ‘colouring in’ and to come up with your own suggestions which could then be translated to the Champion System designer.

With the initial process only taking a couple of days, the deposit is paid, all ideas, concepts, logos and other graphics uploaded – we wait for a preliminary design proof.