Through January, Team Sky will be in Mallorca for training camps. The team is split into two groups: the Classics riders who will aim to be in top form for the spring races and the other riders who have targets later in the season. I am with the Classics group, which includes World Champion Mark Cavendish, Bernie Eisel, Christian Knees, Jez Hunt, Ian Stannard, Davide Appollonio, Salvatore Puccio, and Juan Antonio Flecha.The three to six hour rides include interval sessions where we ride at a higher intensity to simulate racing and often, a motorpacing session to finish off the training at a slightly higher cadence. Not only do we build our fitness, but by training and living together, we also build the bond that turns us into a team. Here are some photos Kurt Asle-Arevsen took from the team car which was driven by our Directeur Sportif, Servais Knaven. Race Coach, Rod Ellingworth is riding the scooter.
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Which race is going to be the start of your season? Looking forward to an exciting 2012 for the entire squad.
Hi Simone, I’ll start in Qatar. We’ll head to Oman from there and then back home for a week before heading up to Belgium for the season openers, Het Niewsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. Best, Michael
Michael, great article as ever. Intrigued by the split in teamsky’s camp… Geraint Thomas in particular: has he decided whether he’s a ‘classics’ guy yet, or a ‘Targets later in the season’ guy?… I’ve great hopes for him taking a P-R or a RvV at some point… Looks awesome riding / weather
Hi Nigel, Thanks for the comment. Geraint is in Australia at the moment and is racing on the track so has a slightly different race schedule. Best, Michael
Hi Barry
First of all, thank you so much for taking you the time to post here with story’s and pictures. I really appreciate that.
Next is a little fun from one of the pictures, first row nr.3 it seems like servais knaven is a really small person,or the car is really big 🙂
Then i di eny you the weather,as here in Denmark we are so fortunate to have a mild vinter,which means a really wet and windy vinter.
Good racing in 2012
Best wishes
Flemming
Hi.
Thx, for the absolute best procycling site ever !
Should not Edvald be a part of this group ?
By the way, tried to buy you book via your link, but it`s out of stock , hehe. and been for some time.
Good luck in 2012.
Hi Kenneth,
Thanks for the note. Edvald is in Australia racing.
To buy the book try this link: http://www.rapha.cc/le-mtier
Best,
Michael
Hi Michael,
You have quite a team this year. Glad to seee that you are staying with Sky for a couple more years. I noticed the TDF is not part of your schedule which is too bad. I enjoy having a Canadian contingent to follow, especially a good ‘ole Toronto boy. Any chance the schedule may change and we’ll see you on the Champs Elysses?
Good luck this year.
Dave
Hi Dave, Thanks. The team schedule has only been set up until May. We’ll found out about the second half of the season after that. Best, Michael
Thanks for those pictures! Seeing the ones of formentor brings back good memories of doing the same ride on the island a few years back, really scenic but a bit hairy too by the cliff edges!
Stayed in puerto pollensa a few years ago and rode up to formentor with my good wife who was so freaked out by the twists and turns of the road and cliffs she closed her eyes, fortunately on a straight bit of the road . Thanks for the memories. ps hope cav is doing his turn at the front.
Hi Michael!
I’m always excited to read your new posts, thanks for the insight! Those roads in Mallorca look… divine!
Great team, looking forward to cheering for you soon! I second Dave’s comments, and certainly hope to see you on the Champs Elysees in July! At a minimum, I’ll be ringing the cowbell for you in Quebec City and Montreal in September!
Best of luck, and have a fantastic season!
Cheers, H
Hi Michael.
Really enjoy your blog. As you are in training, was wondering if you had any tips for me. I’m 38 and in week 5 of my training to complete 16 sportives of which Tour of Flanders and a London to Paris are part of it during 2012. My average sportive is 95 miles long..
Have a great season.
Cheers
Gavin
Hey Mike,
All the best for the upcoming season. The “Classics: team looks like a force to be reckoned with.
Thats a good group of ten.. thrown Eddy Boss, Chris Sutton and the Pate in the mix and its a pretty solid team for the early classics.. The Rigo and Sergio for the Ardennes.. Surely the quality there to pull of some good results. Just a shame for us all that Geraint is in Olympic mode this year.
Says something for the depth of the squad though that even without a guy like G the team can put out strong squads.
I know the team will give Salvatore a year or so to settle in but good to see him involved with the classics squads. Great range of ages in the team, from Salvatore through to the more “experienced” riders like yourself and JAF.
Oh, are you guys not sticking around in Mallorca for the five days of the Vuelta Mallorca?
Hi Dave, The Classics team won’t be here for the race as we’ll be heading to Qatar but another squad of riders will race the event. Cheers, MIchael
Hi Michael,
I was wondering if you’re able to divulge what Grand Tour you’re likely to be riding this year? Giro Road Captain?
Classics squad looks very good. Great experience and quality with yourself, Flecha, Eisel, Hayman and Hunt and then talented younger guys like Edvald, Stannard, Sutton, Puccio etc. Geraint Thomas would have made it even stronger but I’m sure the squad will pick up some good results.
Gorgeous photos and fascinating writing as ever Michael. Good luck for the coming season – I read recently that you are hoping to write another book this year. if so can’t wait.
Sky Classics squad does look capable of doing something spectacular this year. Would love to see Flecha win Paris-Roubaix