p3druh wrote:
Oh come on now... Don't be so negative... Not all cyclists are "dirty"... We'll always know one that never used illegal substances and we will always love him for that... We love you Mads...

My new adventure begins.

Words words words ….where are the words to describe this past week? I went into this camp with much anxiety and, actually let's face it - fear, no I am just going to say it as it was – I was shitting myself! I had heard the stories of previous camps. I knew most do actually survive these survival camps. I was well prepared having included long mountain walks in my training and purchased top quality kit. I was with old and new friends. But I was still shitting myself.

We were in the middle of Norway in a complete white out and -15 degree temperatures. After a few days snuggled in our warm hotel, meetings, eating, meetings and more eating the call was given 'kit up – we leave in 20mns!' mon dieu.

Walking boots where exchanged for cross-country ski boots and a set of ridiculously thin skis. Our many inner and outer layers where tied down with a full backpack and 2 fully jam-packed snow sleds were supplied to each of the 5 teams of 12 or so. A map, compass and some lightly disclosed instructions were passed around but basically it was a case of get moving and get out there into the elements. How far? How Long for? How the hell does one actually cross-country ski? This information is given on a need to know basis, or not at all, with one purpose – to find your physical and mental limits.

We spent 3 days and 2 nights 'out there' and covered many kilometers on skis and sometimes on foot, sinking at times waste deep in the fresh Norwegien snow. The sleds were a constant drama calling for two guys braced in out front, like a human set of reindeer, and another guy pushing from behind. There where no tracks, we cut through and over harsh terrain, up and down mountains and always pushing pushing pushing to arrive at our instructed checkpoints and campsites. At times we where moving only a few hundred meters per hour.

Much of this was done in the dark of night. Everything was a challenge. Wind and snow made talking strained. Fatigue and hunger played with your thoughts. The intense cold made setting up tents and making camp murderous on your fingers. And do I really need to go into the toilet situation? Pants down, squatting over a hole in the snow at 4am and -10degrees you make it real quick – the dangers of frostbite had been discussed pre-camp!

For me the most amazing component is to realize this exercise was not only completed by all the riders on team CSC but the staff as well. Mechanics, soigneurs and office staff plus team docs and even the bus driver were all involved and mixed evenly through the 5 teams.

Under such conditions you are forced to learn fast, plan, work as a team and drop the negativity or face terrible failure, which would certainly risk safety and wellbeing. It is a risk. It is terribly challenging. It is a going to produce the desired outcome – teamwork.

To simply be aware that a group of people can combine, co-operate and be very effective in such circumstances is very pleasing. To actually be a part of this is - incredible. This team is strong because of its simplicity and concentration on basic common sense principles. Drop the negativity. Drop the baggage. Do the job and enjoy.

Now I return to Monaco, and my bicycle, with a firm handed readiness, and a desire to be ready like never before for the new season.

A+ Brad

my former colleagues shouldn't laugh too much about my fate, as it could always backfire on them. When I will write my memoirs, some will be surprised to learn that little Vinokourov wasn't so naive after all, even when he first started out in Europe. I've seen a lot of things, even amongst those who want to appear whiter than snow today.

issoisso wrote:
Good news. the dopeheads at Relax look likely to be unemployed as the team don't have enough sponsors to continue