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ENGLISH N° 12 - APRIL 2015
Colnago
Cycling Festival preview
Alessandro Colnago
and Paolo Savoldelli
on the course
Ambassador
Alena Stevens
Interview
Fabian Giger
AMBASSADOR
Alena
Stevens
In her first season as a
professional triathlete,
Alena Stevens has been
sponsored by Colnago UK.
Her favorite distance is the
Ironman – the toughest triathlon
distance in the world. Her favorite
discipline is cycling, and she rides
a Colnago K.Zero.
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Alena Stevens
Photo by: © www.rayballphotography.co.uk
Please give a brief presentation of you and your sportive story
“I raced my first Ironman in 2009 in Busselton, Western Australia and finished in the top 10 in my age group
(AG). That gave me the motivation for the journey ahead. Since then, with more experience and quality training,
my performance has improved and I have won few AG Ironman races, an overall female victory in an Ironman
distance race, and the World Championship title in AG ITU (International Triathlon Union) Long Distance Triathlon.
I have always been a hyperactive person, ever since early childhood. From a young age I competed in alpine
skiing races and later worked for five years as ski instructor. Skiing was my number one sport until I got to know
the world of triathlon! For the last few years, I’ve been working in a very demanding job in private aviation. The
long and erratic hours have hindered my training, as it has never been consistent, thus this season I made the
decision to step up to race as a PRO and train and race full time.”
Alena Stevens
Photo by: © www.jamesmitchell.eu
Which is your favorite discipline of the three (swim, bike, and run)? Why?
“Cycling is my strongest discipline out of the three, and I love all types – MTB riding, road cycling, and, of course,
riding on a time-trial bike as part of the triathlon.”
Triathlon is a great and difficult sport.
There are a lot of distances to train for. Which is your favorite?
“Ironman distance is my preferred one. However, I recently competed in my first Xterra race which, after a
standard swim, comprises an MTB leg over challenging terrain, followed by a trail run. The distance is much
shorter compared to Ironman distance races, but I really enjoyed this off –road version of the sport and will
definitely race a few more Xterra events this season.”
Describe your daily routine when training, and the place where you usually do it
(if you are used to changing location for training camp).
“I am based in Surrey Hills, UK, most of the year. However, I spend winter in Dubai, UAE as my winter training
location. Every day my training is different but, as an example, the day would include: swim 4km (various intervals
targeted on speed, power, and endurance); bike 3h 30min (including interval training specific to Ironman
distance races); and a short run off the bike as brick session.”
Do you work with a coach?
“I work with Bella Bayliss, a well-known ex-professional triathlete who used to be with Brett Sutton’s original TBB
squad. I really value Bella for her amazing experience and knowledge in this sport and, like me, she is a firm
believer of hard work.”
INTERVIEW
Alena Stevens
What’s your ideal meal?
“I have a few favorites, including baked salmon with brown rice and salad on the side, Miso black cod and
tenderloin beef steak. Recently I purchased the Nutribullet and am getting hooked on fresh vegetable juices full
of vitamins from raw organic vegetables.”
Some secrets for recovering well after hard training?
“Sleeping well – I try to go to bed the same time every night - and regular sports massage. I am also big fan of
fueling soon after completing my training. It is no secret that 30mins – 1hr max is the most crucial time to fuel
with a recovery meal or PowerBar recovery drink.”
When you’re racing (and maybe training), I am sure you go through some dark moments.
What do you do to overcome those?
“I have had some dark moments - for example during my long bike ride in the wind and heat in the middle of
the desert yesterday! My legs were aching from the beginning until the end and thought of stopping or just not
pushing properly while I am supposed to ride hard. In these moments I visualize myself in my next race (which
is now IM Taiwan) and seeing myself on the course feeling powerful physically and mentally thanks to those hard
training sessions where I hurt all the way. Champions are not made in comfort zones!”
TECHNICAL DATA
Alena Stevens
Height: 163 cm
Racing weight: 57kg
Main goal of your race season?
“This is my first season with having a proper go as a full-time professional triathlete with all that it takes, so
finishing on few podiums at international Ironman races would be fantastic!”
Tell something about your Colnago K.Zero: feeling, set-up, accessories
“I absolutely love the stiffness and aerodynamics of the Colnago K.Zero frame. This is something that I noticed
the very first time I tried my new bike last year and it is significantly stiffer than any other TT bike I have ever
ridden before. I am using a Quarq power-meter (although my training is not based on power) a Shimano Dura
Ace groupset, Vision brakes, and Vision wheels.
As I am coming from triathlon, I am using a hydration system called X-Lab where I can keep myself well hydrated
without compromising the aerodynamics of the K.Zero frame. Other components that I am using on my bike are
BBB (tubes, helmet, sunglasses, cycling attire etc).”
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Colnago K.Zero
VIDEO: COLNAGO K.ZERO
Crank length: 170mm, however I am swapping soon - hopefully
for Vision 165mm cranks
Race gear, front and rear: 53-39, 30-11
K-zero size: XS (the smallest frame, of course)
Wheels: Vision – mostly Vision Metron 55 clinchers
Tires: Continental GP 4000
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Promo Colnago Cycling Festival 2015
Alessandro
Colnago and Paolo
Savoldelli riding
along the Colnago
Cycling Festival
long course
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It was a welcoming, sunny day in Desenzano del Garda for the Bike Channel crew to record images
of the course of the third Gran Fondo Colnago.
Paolo Savoldelli (former pro rider), voice technique of thematic channel Sky, together with
Alessandro Colnago, marketing director and nephew of Ernesto Colnago, rode along the
long course showing fans key points of the event that will be held on May, 17 during the
Colnago Cycling Festival.
The 2015 course, as previously announced, has been completely redesigned to give participants
more scenery and to test them on various ascents – 159km and 2,044 meters in altitude for the
long course; 110km and 1,384 meters in altitude for the middle one, and 77km and 940 meters
for the short route.
“The Marathon has changed completely. The organizers have made very nice changes with the
inclusion of the hills of San Michele, Le Coste, and Cima San Gallo,” said Savoldelli, a professional
from 1996 to 2008 who won a career-high two Giro d’ Italia –in 2002 and 2005. “I like the longer
route because it is more selective, and since there are less bumpy kilometers to the finish line than
in the past. The slopes are not impossible and the mileage is perfect for those who want to do real
race. A tip? Make use of the 3 rest-stops present along the route, especially if it will be hot as it
is important to rehydrate and eat properly. Evaluate your condition and try to stay in a group. The
short and medium routes are perfect for cyclists who are less trained – the beauty of the Colnago
Cycling Festival is that it is accessible to all.”
Alessandro Colnago invites all cyclists not to miss the date: “The long course is not for everyone,
because it is really challenging. It will depend on the spirit with which you want to ride, whether
aggressive or as an adventure. Personally I’ll do the middle one. I do not have the endurance
to ride the longer one, but it was interesting to test the three new climbs. Cycling is a real family
passion. I ride my bike almost every day, about thirty miles at lunch. There is no better way to
improve our products than to try them in person. And there is no better place than Lake Garda
to ride and spend a few days with family. The Colnago Cycling Festival will be a three-day festival,
aimed at all ages and all tastes.”
For more information about routes, and to grab one of the last available spots for the 2015
edition, reference the website www.colnagocyclingfestival.com.
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This year you started a new adventure with a new team.
What are your first impressions?
“I knew Eva Lechner and some of the staff members already before, and
the team always looked good from the outside.
And this is exactly my first impression. Everything is professional, we have
fun together, and I am happy so far.
We have a small but very strong team. Eva is one of the fastest girls on
the bike. She has multiple Italian championships, and has already won
World Cups as well. I hope I can also have good results, and that we will
have a successful year together.”
Fabian Giger
Photo by
© 2015 Armin M. Küstenbrük / EGO-Promotion
You also changed bikes.
What do you think about the Colnago C29?
“The C29 is a great bike and I felt directly comfortable on it.
My bike looks just awesome and you can feel the ‘made in Italy’ quality.”
Last season you closed the year in forth position overall in the
UCI standings.
Do you think you’ll be able to be better this season?
“I had a good season in 2014 and finished 4th in the UCI Ranking.
My main goals for 2015 are to have some great results in World Cup
races, and in World Championships. We will see at the end of the year what
place I will finish in the overall ranking.”
Have you changed anything in your winter training this year?
“I didn’t change a lot in my winter training. I try to improve small things
every year – to get stronger and faster.
The biggest change is, maybe, that I will race the Cape Epic (big MTB
stage-race from 15-22 March). This will be great preparation for the
World Cup.”
Do you work with a coach?
“I’ve worked with my coach now for 5 years. And I will also work with him
this year with the new team.”
Which is the racing quality you need to improve most?
“I think I am quite good in technical sections and downhill. But the level
is so high and there are still guys faster than me. I want to improve that.”
After your first competition at Cyprus Cup, what are your
thoughts about your physical condition?
“Cyprus was a great start for me with the new team.
It was perfect to get to know the staff members better, and to see how
they work – and to test my C29 in race conditions.
I felt good and strong on the bike and was on every stage with the best
riders. Unfortunately I had a flat tire at the end and lost a lot of time. But
the training was great, and I am looking forward to the next races.”
INTERVIEW
Fabian Giger
He is the top athlete of Team Colnago’s mtb
together with Eva Lechner. Last season was
ranked fourth in the UCI ranking. This year
aims to improve his position by winning as
many races as possible.
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Photos by
© 2014 Armin M. Küstenbrük / EGO-Promotion
© 2015 Maxim Schmid / EGO-Promotion
Talk about your racing goals for 2015.
“The main goals are the World Championships, the six World Cups, and
the European Games. There I am aiming for a top-five result or better. The
closer I get to the number one, the better it is.
Plus I will also do some more races all over Europe, and I hope to have as
many wins as possible.”
Fabian Giger’s Colnago C29
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Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Elisa Longo Borghini took an excellent third place in the
first ever edition of the Women’s Strade Bianche – across the unmade white roads of
Tuscany. The 23-year-old Italian was just beaten to the line, in Siena’s historic Piazza
del Campo, by Lizzie Armitstead (Boels-Dolmans) as they raced for second place, 37
seconds behind Armitstead’s teammate Megan Guarnier’s solo victory.
Rusvelo takes the entire podium at Gp Sochi
The pro continental squad of RusVelo began this season’s winning ways in the capital
of the 2014 winter Olympics – having taken all the three podium spots on the top of a
long final climb to the ski resort of Rosa Khutor. Sergey Firsanov crossed the line ahead
of his teammates Aleksandr Foliforov and Artem Ovechkin. The final 20 kilometers out
of the 168 km-long GP of Sochi Mayor course tested the peloton on a climb with 900
meters of vertical drop; the last eight kilometers of steep rollers were a real decider.
RusVelo stuck to a classic tactical scenario of brining its climbers to the bottom of the
ascent in the best possible conditions, and then letting them strike a final blow. The plan
was materialized to perfection.
White
roads
“Le Strade Bianche” is the invention of Giancarlo Brocci, Eroica’s creator. Eroica is an event that
requires you to ride a vintage bike. It was initially an experiment in search of the roots of heroic
cycling, but has now evolved to include a real race – technically very interesting, and difficult in
many aspects. First of all, the dirt on the roads is rideable at high speed – both in ascent and
descent as it is a compact coat, at least with dry weather conditions. The dirt roads alternate
with paved stretches, allowing riders some recovery of energy, but they are still challenging. The
use of compact gearing is fundamental, and extreme (often 39x27) for professionals – used on
routes with challenging slopes and dirt not for climbers, but for athletes with much power. This fact
forces the athletes to race for the first positions before taking to the dirt roads in relative safety,
preventing falls, and staying alive in the race. The RUSVELO team used 25 mm wide tubulars,
and still flatted tires 12 times, for example, but this first experience in a World Tour race was
positive. The DS Honchar team prepared in detail the race with a couple of surveys on the roads,
and General Manager Renat Khamidulin provided the team an organization of the highest level –
including the nutritionist Erica Lombardi, the staff of masseurs, and the mechanics who all did a
great job! In the end, five athletes on the team finished the race.
Team Wiggle-Honda at the top in Belgium
Giorgia Bronzini has won the Drentse 8 van Dwingeloo! The Italian rider was the fastest
in a 7-rider break. Jolien D’hoore wins the World Cup Ronde van Drenthe! She also
celebrates her 25th birthday. Double celebrations: in the end there was no victory, but
it was another great result in the final race of the Drenthe weekend. Chloe Hosking
sprinted to second in a tight sprint with Kirsten Wild.
Fabian Giger wins the first stage
at Absa Cape Epic race
Here’s what RUSVELO athlete Ivan Balykin had to say:
“This race has always fascinated me. I am a long-distance rider, a
rouler, so I consider myself quite suitable for a race of this type.
This first experience has allowed me to understand how difficult it
is to ride in races of such a high level. Stress to stay ahead is very
high, and, in addition to the physical energies spent, many also
tire from the mental point of view. It takes 100% concentration,
always. I was also impressed by the changes of pace, real lashes
that make your legs hurt. This year the goal was simply to finish
the race. Next year, if we are invited, we certainly aspire to
something more results-wise.”
Teammates Fabian Giger and Martin Gujan (both Swiss) won the first stage of the Absa
Cape Epic. The stage race starts on Sunday, March 15th, from Cape Town (South Africa).
The two riders have completed 20 km of the first leg in 46 minutes and 18 seconds, 18
seconds ahead of two specialists of the hardest race of South Africa, the German Karl
Platt and Swiss Urs Huber (Team Bulls), and Christophe Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy
(Investec Songo Specialized).
ZOOMNEWS
Elisa Longo Borghini
takes third place in Le Strade Bianche
Audrey Cordon wins the Cholet Pays de Loire
Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Audrey Cordon-Ragot won the Cholet Pays de Loire, in the Maine-et-Loire town of Cholet, in
western France, in a three-up sprint. The French rider, who lives just 60km from the race finish, outpaced former teammates
Amélie Rivat (Poitou-Charentes-Futuroscope) and Miriam Bjornsrud (Hitec Products) at the end of a 116km race whose
latter stages were dominated by Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling riders. Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Belgian Champion Jolien
D’hoore took the sprint for fourth place, at the head of the next group on the road, 22 seconds later.
SOCIAL:
By [email protected]
performance race
“Strade Bianche”
IMAGE OF THE MONTH
Colnago Zoom’s best reader photo posted
on our social networks.
Burnham Racing
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