The bicycle is an object of desire. Expensive and technological, futuristic and inextricably linked to the human engine, the bicycle is a passion and also a work tool which requires care and maintenance. What relationship do athletes have with their work tool?
We asked ad Andrea Guardini that, take off the rider's clothes, became the mechanic of the Italian National Track Team (with a few peeks into the street world). We were intrigued by his comment on the our YouTube channel, under the video which told the experience of Frances Selva e Miriam Vece at the UCI Champions League: "From 2024," wrote Guardini with a smiley emoticon, "a basic course for all athletes on gear changes and pre- and post-race packing/unpacking!"
What do you take with you after your first season as a mechanic for the national team?
It was a beautiful, intense and particularly challenging year. It was because I had to build my working future, it was because I needed to do more days to gain a diversified experience, also spending hours learning from the most expert in the field. That's why I started on the track and also did technical service in some road races.
I can feel emotion in your words, can I?
Honestly I never thought I would experience such intense emotions, now that I'm no longer a rider. The satisfactions I had at the European track champions and that I will always carry with me. We did a haul of medals. Even having done thetechnical assistance to Paralympic athletes, because besides seeing how fast they are, they've given me a different outlook on life. Emotions that are hard to quantify.
Are you seeing firsthand the enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes?
That's right. When I was a rider I realized how much work was done to enable riders to perform at their best, but You only fully understand the amount of things to do when you put on an apron and pick up the tools. On one hand it's beautiful, on the other hand it's really tough and I thought it was easier. It's true that the road and the track are two parallel but different worlds especially as regards the technical management of the bicycle.
What is the general relationship between cyclists and the bicycle?
I can say that it's a subjective way of seeing. There are riders and there always have been. who see the bicycle as an extension of their body and others who don't touch anything and leave everything to the mechanics when the opportunity arises. Take for example the training bike, the most exploited and far from the mechanic's eyes. There are athletes who treat her like she was their girlfriend. (I was one of those), others who don't touch it for months. And those are the bikes you can't see or hear because they're so dirty and noisy.
Can it be summed up with the phrase “my gear shift is skipping”?
Yes exactly and I usually answer, thank goodness that's all it does!
Can you tell us an anecdote?
When I was a racer, I couldn't stand dirty bikes that made annoying noises. I wasn't a professional mechanic, but I was good at home maintenance. For example, before doing a distance I washed the bikeThis year, before leaving for Argentina, I picked up a training bike that was crying out for mercy. Poor bike, it looked like it was suffering because of how dirty it was!
Does this also happen with track bikes?
With track bikes it's differentThey obviously aren't subject to the ravages of the outside environment, but they still require maintenance. The dust generated by the wood and other variables affect their efficiency.
Yet one might think that mechanical knowledge is part of the rider's profession!
It should be like this. In my opinion. lacks a minimum of mechanical training, little things and simple secrets that could make life easier for the riders themselves in some situations, even with more complicated bikes in mind, such as electronic drivetrains, disc brakes, and other features. Once upon a time, one of the first things a track cyclist kept was a 15mm wrench, essential for changing gears and other things. For road bikes a hanger was kept, that of the change, of spare. A custom that no longer exists, but it's also true that the staff we have today didn't exist back then.
Is multidisciplinary a school in this too?
It helps you wake up and be more… sharp. It certainly helps with running vision, but also with regards to the ability to read the behavior of the bicycleI've always been convinced of this.
Is there also a category of athletes who instead master the technique of the medium?
Yes, of course! Take for example Nibali, but also Viviani who is precise and very careful about materials. Vincenzo was able to disassemble and reassemble the bicycleHe was always trying different things, at the retreats he spent two/three hours with the mechanics. I also liked to understand what I was using, not like him, but I thought This practice is part of my work as a riderI realize that the further we go, the less this type of rider is available, but it's not all the athlete's fault, because the profession has changed a lot.
What does it mean?
Means that Today everything is much more complexThe rider must pay attention to his training data, listen to what the coach tells him, check the phone app for updates on his personal profile, go to the motivator, monitor his weight and diet, and stretch. So many things that take away time and concentrationI understand those kids who use the little time they have left during the day to disconnect their brains.
