(written by Jacek of Bywater CT)
Germany Tour - Pre-race news
With the Germany Tour starting in just a few hours, many riders are showing that they are in great shape for the Tour. This peaking for the big races reflects a growing trend of OCM managers to try taper riders for specific events. To whet your appetite for the forthcoming battle, we feature an interview with one of those riders, Zack Davie, whose team, Bywater CT, have just broken into OCM's top 10.
Zack, how is the season so far?
'Really successful. During the first half I was training a lot, but still had some time for racing. Volta ao Porto was a great experience, being part of a successful team is fun even when you're only helping other riders. Then, during the Perm Tour, I was the captain for the first time. My results were quite good, but still I failed to win youth classification.'
During the second half of the season you've been the full-time captain. How has that gone?
'Yes, I really appreciate the trust the team's management has in me. This was especially helpful when I went through a spell of poor results. | | Last week was really good though - 5th and 7th place gave the team the points it needed. Then, as we were sure of riding the Germany Tour, I got time to rest and prepare for it.'
How has the preparation gone?
'Perfectly. I feel great now, I had a good rest and my form went up to the level where it has never been before. I spent this time on Sicilia - I really like this place, it's perfect for getting into shape. I will finish my stay there with a short practice ride today and then we go to Germany.'
What are team's plans for the tour?
'Unfortunately, the plans went a bit wrong. As the medical checkup for this race was really early, we had to go without Herman Eagles, who's just back from injury. This means we will have two leaders. Climbing stages are where I will try to gain as much time as possible, while Karsten Steels will seek his chance on flat roads. To support us, we have cimbers Heath Deckard and Koos Zijlstra, hills specialist Bazil Nesu and young, talented Hector Edinho, who will get much needed experience during this race.
Personally, I aim to win the youth classification and the White jersey that
| | goes with it. I hope that my form will allow me to do this, and make up for the failure in Perm. Unfortunately Lloyd Vonk, winner of Perm YC, will not ride Germany due to some legal issues during the race signup process. I would really like to prove that I can beat him. Still, Vitaliy Bayer, Domenico de Assis and several other riders will be tough opponents.'
Is the team focused entirely on Germany?
'Of course not. We plan to do some one day races during next week as well. Heath Deckard, in his first race as captain took a great 2nd place in Andorra - Redonda two days ago. Herman Eagles, after missing the tour, will do some other races - Ulm - Augsburg and either GP Stavanger or Lubeck - Hannower. Karsten Steels will try to get into top 9 of Sicilia Rotondo today, the race half of the team will use as practise race to get into better shape for Germany. Finally, a week from now, I will ride Criterium La Provence - my first classic.'
Thanks to Zack for the interview, and good luck to him today in the Prologue around Kiel. Other notable riders to have peaked for this Tour are Vitaliy Bayer (Gradient Levellers), Yasunari Yamauchi (redop) and Gregorie Nilis (Bajen Belfast).
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