Keep Learning

VeloNews.com reported last week (click here for article) that the Johann Bruyneel Cycling Academy was underway in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosting sixteen young cyclists under the tutelage of Bernard Moerman. The goal: to provide a bike racing education that each rider can then use to negotiate a professional cycling contract. Stated another way: to raise up the next generation of competitive cyclists.

Part of the training? Ride in all kinds of conditions:

Morning temperatures in the low 20’s haven’t exactly made for vacation-style riding. On Tuesday, with black ice spotting the roads, Astana cancelled its planned team ride...All 16 Bruyneel Academy riders, however, suited up for a three-hour ride.

Another part: build a team:

When riding tempo, each group takes a turn rotating at the front; when a squad member flats, his whole team squad stops and paces him back to the group.

Driving behind and alongside the group, Moerman barks instructions, which riders dutifully relay through the group. “Stop sprinting! Ride steady! Keep it tight?”

When one squad neglected to stop for a teammate who flatted, Moerman pulled the whole group over...

And, finally, the plan for each rider, as articulated by Mr. Moerman:

“Don’t blame yourself for not knowing. Blame yourself for not learning.”

I like that philosophy!