French team heading to the sun for first getttogether of 2011 team
AG2R La Mondiale, the sole French team left in the International Cycling Union (UCI) top flight, is to travel to Salou, Spain between December 8th and 17th for the first gettogether of the 2011 squad. The ProTeam had a smaller “reduced meeting” in November, but this will be the first time that the entire team will be meeting.
Just like in other years, the time will be divided between training, meetings and official photographs. The training camp will be a chance for all the members of the team to get to know one another to create a “genuine cohesion” between everyone.
“We already got together a little in advance with the adminsitrative and mechanical staff in November,” said director sportif Julien Jurdie. “This second camp will be more focused on sporting aspects, with some quality time on the bike.
“Rides should be of between two and five hours,” he explained, “with riders in differen groups, depending on the individual goals of each.”
With most of northern Europe currently experiencing snow and freezing conditions, Jurdie hopes that the journey south will find them some better cycling temperatures.
“Two years ago we started our season with a training camp in Spain,” he continued, “and hopefully we will find warmer and the best conditions to work in. Moreover, this gathering will also be an opportunity to test the new bikes, try the new clothing and work on our racing programmes.
“To summarise, the goals are clear,” he concluded. “To actively prepare for the early season and make sure that the integration of everyone is the best possible!