The Kidney Program was the ultimate (and secret) program of American team US Postal to create the most talented and strong sprinters. Among all the sprinters/cobblers recruited by the secret project, there was a French guy who seemed confused about how to train, his name was Richard Masson. He wasn’t a sprinter, nor a cobbler. He wasn’t even a climber (there were a couple of them in the program), his skills were unique as the only time trialist talent produced by the Kidney Program.
Without any idea to proceed with his training, the trainers agreed he should be released and see how capable he could become. Transferred to Nefal, manager Armstrong-Williamson witnessed in shock his amazing progress, as the first major wins highlighted on his palmares. Very soon he turned out the best French rider, winning three national jerseys in a row and leading prestigious Tours with astounding victo...
Read moreThe Kidney Program was the ultimate (and secret) program of American team US Postal to create the most talented and strong sprinters. Among all the sprinters/cobblers recruited by the secret project, there was a French guy who seemed confused about how to train, his name was Richard Masson. He wasn’t a sprinter, nor a cobbler. He wasn’t even a climber (there were a couple of them in the program), his skills were unique as the only time trialist talent produced by the Kidney Program.
Without any idea to proceed with his training, the trainers agreed he should be released and see how capable he could become. Transferred to Nefal, manager Armstrong-Williamson witnessed in shock his amazing progress, as the first major wins highlighted on his palmares. Very soon he turned out the best French rider, winning three national jerseys in a row and leading prestigious Tours with astounding victories.
All the information related to the formerly alleged and officially denied training program was lost. To restart it, Williamson needed at least one of his former trainees and despite not count with the best two of them, Richard made his way back with his former boss.
Head of training and responsible of recruiting, Monsieur Masson is the visible ambassador of Amstel Flanders when it comes to negotiate incomes and releases. Some not good intentioned rumors say Richard and the former American staff are now teamed up with their Belgian counterparts, guiding the training and “enhancing” of the trainees and well-established cyclists (Team Captains).
“When I received the call, I knew I had to be part of Amstel Flanders. There are lots of things that can be read on media, but I’m just an ambassador,” Richard Masson said to a reporter.
Ambassador or not, the truth is Amstel Flanders has improved significantly after his arrival… maybe good motivation was needed it.
France