Former professional and CSC Sports Director, Scott Sunderland, was present for the first London-Paris Cycle Tour Spring Ride in January. He's had spectacular achievements at CSC with Carlos Sastre's Tour de France win, and he managed the team to the point where they were recognised as the best cycling team in the world. But testament to the positive atmosphere on the London-Paris Cycle Tour, Sunderland was still impressed by our January Spring Ride. We hear his thoughts...
Carluccio's Rocks
I got a flashback last Sunday morning, it almost looked like my old training gang was assembling for training. But it wasn’t just the usual five or six showing up; the group kept growing, and growing underneath the grey leaden sky, while the rain was bucketing down and turned the gutters into small streams.
Amazingly, everyone there had a smile on their face. Jokes were made, about floaties and swimming gear. We set off for the ride, a big group about 45 riders. I have to say I admired all those men and women, some had driven 120 miles to come and join us. I was truly impressed by their attitude.
When I was a pro, I’d look out the window on a cold and rainy morning and then I’d ring one of the other guys, Serge or Peter or Eric, whoever was home from racing and needed to train.
Most of the time, we would decide to wait an hour or so, call or text again and then decide to go out in the rain or maybe, just wait another hour.
Here, there was no doubt. All the riders showing up were in good spirit and although the weather gods were definitely testing our courage, not one of us was even thinking about sitting this training ride out. Not even Ian from Sigma Sport, who visibly had been kept up late the night before.
And the training session was fun, good fun. A good old fashioned ride in the rain; I had almost forgotten how content you feel after battling the elements!
We got two hours in and then it was time to stop and warm up at Carlucci’s, Sven’s local coffee stop in Surrey. The group was welcomed inside, we sat down, dirty and wet. In no time, there were big puddles underneath chairs and tables, but we all enjoyed a great breakfast and superb Italian coffee!
Everyone chatted and laughed, bragging about how tough we were!
Expecting you there next time
Scott