Team mechanics do not “only” perform the operational role inherent in their qualifications. They are sports enthusiasts and are also friends of riders, a sort of relief valve and a lightning rod. They are also a bit of a psychologist, because sometimes the rider needs to be convinced and directed in his technical choices.
We had some tidbits and anecdotes told to us by Matthew Cornacchione (Team Ineos-Grenadiers), Ronny Baron (Team Bahrain-Victorious) to Mauro Adobati (Team Trek Segafredo). What happens when the staff is completed with new additions?
What do you do when a new rider arrives?
CROW: «The first approach with a new athlete happens sometimes in an anomalous way, because we try to have direct contact with him before the season ends. For us mechanics It is essential to have your old bikes, the normal one and the time trial one, from which the measures are extrapolated. This is a really important step, thanks to which The orders of materials for the next season are also determined».
BARON: «Usually the team makes the contract with a rider during the season and At the same time we receive the technical data sheetsWhen possible, we mechanics also directly probe the athlete, to assess their feelings and any needs. An experienced professional does not venture into setting up changes, maybe some tests and trials during the season away from racing. A more detailed and in-depth work è performed on very young athletes».
ADOBATI: «Sometimes When a young person arrives, his characteristics are not precisely known. We mechanics talk to the sports directors, we get in touch with the athlete and we try to get information also thanks to the team he comes from. The riders themselves are divided into two categories. Those technical and prepared, or those that refer to mechanicsRegardless of everything, we try to provide the material to new arrivals in advance of the first training camp, so that there is a gradual adaptation."
On average, how much time is dedicated to the athlete?
CROW: «It depends on the type of rider, for example Time trial specialists need more time. To give you a clear idea, considering time trialists, no more than two riders are involved in an afternoon. Again, with athletes focusing on time trials, sessions are sometimes split into multiple sessions. You go to the wind tunnel, or the rider himself is involved in the development of new materials. The times are longer because there are numerous tests. Working on traditional bikes is quite fast even with the new grafts. It gives you the opportunity to work on new materials and arrive at the first training camps with a good setup."
BARON: «When you find the new addition to the racing scene, you try to go into detail and discuss it with him. It's not an easy job, because it is also mandatory to respect the contracts, which usually expire at the end of December. It is essential for mechanics to listen and interpret the words of the rider, then it also depends on his sensitivity. It is also necessary to consider the athlete's adaptability».
ADOBATI: «The phases are different. The first one refers to the delivery of the first bicycle and usually an hour is enough, transferring the old measurements to the new bike. A second step is that of the first collegiate, where any necessary adjustments are made and, if major changes are necessary, two or three hours are dedicated. For the bicycle fitting, the Trek-Segafredo team uses the Mapei Center. The work of getting into the saddle and adapting increases, also because of the many materials to test, when there are time trial bikes».
Are there academy-style sessions?
CROW: «We do a sort of training camp with information sessions. This year it took place before the end of October and allowed all the staff to come into contact with the newcomers and get a handle on their needs. For us mechanics it was very important, allowed us to get each athlete in the saddle earlier. It was an intense but productive week. The goal was to dedicate as much time as possible to each individual rider.
BARON:«A training camp is held, the one in December, with real meetings, where each sponsor company presents the products supplied to the team. This is done for existing and new riders. We mechanics also play an important role, trying to teach all the riders the little tricks for managing their training bikes at home.
ADOBATI: «Absolutely yes. Every part of the bicycle, in our case Trek, requires the intervention of an engineer which sets out the peculiarities and characteristics of the component. This concerns the staff and mechanics too. In addition to these, there are also various technical sponsors. During the retreats, real tests are carried out information sessions for everyone, more in-depth for new entries who have not used our material."
How long does it usually take for a rider to adapt to new materials?
CROW: «It's hard to say, a lot depends on the materials and the differences with the previous ones. However, a pro rider, once he has found the right position on the saddle, In two weeks he finds the optimal setting and hardly changes it during the season».
BARON: "About a month, sometimes a month and a half, then it depends on the subjectOld-school riders never changed their position a millimeter throughout their entire career. Young riders people are inclined to experiment more and this factor means they take longer to understand the medium.In winter, the rider takes longer to adapt because the variables at play are different. It could be that he has a few extra kilos on him, or he's going to the gym and his muscles are heavy."
ADOBATI: «A young rider adapts very quickly, then obviously the subjective part comes into play. To give a reference, it takes a couple of months, it's about being 100% perfect and fully satisfying the athlete's requests. Here's what to do also consider the double bike. To every athlete vthe two models are given, Emonda and Madone, the two reference means for the team and he can choose".
An anecdote you carry with you?
CROW: «The memory of a young Ganna who had just arrived in the team, therefore an athlete who still had to win a lot and become the athlete we know today. Filippo is a rider who enjoys color combinations and is curious about when a unique component is used. The 3D time trial handlebar hadn't yet been developed and tested. He was the first to use it and bring it to the race. Upon delivery, he was happy like a child receiving a Christmas presentI will always carry with me the smile and enthusiasm of that boy, in addition to the awareness of how much the team and Pinarello had invested. He is jealous of that handlebar and for him it is a fixed pointThe dimensions of that component have never been changed. I'm sure he'll put it on his noticeboard."
BARON: «I was struck by the Nibali's technical preparation, always on the ball, curious, capable and interested in every detail and innovation. But also Petaks, two meticulous, obsessive riders capable of replacing mechanics in some operations. Or the same Sonny Colbrelli, very tidy and technically curiousAmong the riders who give you something to learn, I also include Caruso, Landa, and Mohoric, all skilled in bicycle mechanics. I see the latter growing season after season, a true connoisseur of wheel pressures, aerodynamics, without forgetting the telescopic seatpost with which he won the Sanremo 2022. It is not a standard component, or rather, we developed and adapted it thanks to his suggestions. With riders like these, we create a bond that advances our craft and the development of materials.».
ADOBATI: «There are many anecdotes to tell, but the one that struck me in the last seasons is the preparation and competence of some of the team's girls, including Elisa Longo BorghiniThey know what they want and are able to understand even the slightest differences between one material and another. I don't often get to work with the women's team, except during training camps, where the men and women are together, but this aspect really struck me."
