”Back to the Future” Part III

Cover-shot from Velonews after winning the Tour of Hawaii in 1996.

With very little racing action for Team Rivette last weekend we have to come up with something else to write about. The revival of the “Back to the future” series is now in effect. This time the target is a former Tour de France and European Champion. Ladies and gents… Lennie Kristensen!

In reality there won’t be much going back in time for this post. The aim is rather to show that it’s possible to experience a little piece of history if you happen to be in Copenhagen. The palmares of Lennie is far too extensive for me to dig into here. As most of you probably know (or should know) Lennie won the 1997 Mountainbike Tour de France (Tour VTT). In fact he won it a few weeks after becoming European Champion on home turf in Silkeborg on a course almost identical to the second round of the mtb-liga. Well, in 1997 the start/finish straight was almost a full kilometer followed by a gravel climb of nearly the same length. Being known for churning the biggest gear in the entire field during the late nineties, Lennie put it to good use and won an epic battle against Italian Luca Bramati, in a race plague by thunder-showers. It should also be noted that Rivette DS, Jesper Skriver, as well as myself, were racing in national colors in the espoir class☺. Lennie then went on to win the Tour VTT. Yours truly participated on a smaller Dutch team while Jesper Agergaard raced alongside Lennie on Team Giant. As the race progressed, Jesper told how the mechanics starting fearing snake bites would ruin Lennie’s winning chances so he practically won with the whole thing running road racing like tire pressure.

Although Lennie is probably best known for these two victories he was also the first official National Mountainbike Champion back in 1992. Despite being one of the dominating riders through the “big boom” of mountainbiking in the nineties, his career began on the road which almost had him signing a contract with TVM alongside Bo Hamburger. Well, he returned to his roots later in his career and raced for Team Fakta from the year 2000. Not only a good mountainbiker but an overall talented cyclist he came within inches of winning the Tour of Denmark, being robbed the leader’s jersey late in the race by Rolf Sørensen. After a few years with the smaller but infamous team of Kim Andersen, Lennie ended his career with almost winning the Tour Down Under for Team CSC.

Today, Lennie is running a bike shop in the center of Copenhagen called Da Vinci Cykler. If you ever have the time, stop by his shop for a history-lesson. Well, if not to meet the friendly and knowledgeable staff or check out the goods (although there is a surprisingly lack of Rivette bikes). There is at least one guy down there with more bikes than me (and a camera – thanks Claus). Memorabilia is all around this place and not long ago Lennie’s 1998 racing bike was displayed. It’s probably still around somewhere if you want to weigh a decade old racing mountainbike. As one of the friendliest laid back persons and pro-cyclist I’ve ever met, I’m sure he’ll dust it off if you ask. 

I wonder what Lennie’s VO2max is?

The man himself with the European Champ jersey and medal.

A huge poster capturing the action from Lennie’s battle with Luca Bramati decorates the back wall.

One of Djernis’ World Champ jerseys.

Mechanic Claus is truing his lightweight wheel? Notice the prices above Claus, Tour VTT and Tour of Denmark among others.

Other mechanic Jens with former Team-mates Fabian and Kurt.

Autograph card from Team CSC and delivering a custom-bike to the famous “bald chef”.

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Sub-Zero Training

Snow has fallen in Denmark and temperatures are still well below those found where the early season racing has begun. Human physiology doesn’t care about this so the option is to either head south or ride in freezing temperatures. Let’s leave out the third option that no serious racer would consider. For those restricted to train in the cold and wet in northern Europe there are several tips to make life easier. For some it may seem logical but it is my experience that many riders even with years of experience are suffering more than necessary. I have done so myself, and spend hours and hours crying like a little girl once the warm water from the shower made my blood circulating in hands and feet again.

Feet and hands belong to the outmost peripherally limbs of the body. On a bike they move less than a potato-couch on a Sunday. So if you have a tendency to get cold feet and hands they will become numb long before you can call it a day. While your white summer shoes may be the new black or look bling they are no good in sub-zero temperatures. Nobody sees them under the shoe-covers anyway. Get a descent pair of winter-shoes and some good quality shoe covers. You will actually be able to feel your feet while riding instead of imitating an amputee.

If you’re out on your mtb you will need a few fingers to occasionally grab the brake. A big-ass lobster glove is the only way to go if the alternative is crying like sissy (like I do) after an hour of riding. If riding on the road I will pass this tip from former pro and Team Colombia DS, Brian Holm. A pair of good old fashioned leather mittens, isolated with lamb-wool. They are expensive but are without a doubt the best investment I’ve ever made. I guarantee your hands will stay warm.

It is just as crucial to get loads of fluid and energy in cold weather but not really appealing to throw down a bottle of slush-ice when also riding around in it. Tug the bottle in the back of your pocket. It will be a bit of a hustle to get out but the liquid will be kept warm enough to drink without any hesitation. Take the time to fish the bottle out among the layers once in a while. It is worth the effort. When puncturing, tug your gloves under your jacket or shirt. It will have same effect as with the bottle. The gloves will stay warm and you will not waste energy having to warm them up after fixing the flat. In very cold weather your fingers may have a hard time getting warm again.

If you are still reluctant to train in the cold do as I do. Hit the gym!

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New Sponsor For The Mega!

The registration for the Megavalanche 2009 has opened. The Rivette Mulisha has already claimed three spots and are in hard training. For those not familiar with the Megavalanche it is a race down the Alpe d’Huez. That’s right – down. The start is at the top of the mountaing on July 12th while qualifying races take place the day before. The fastest 500 will compete in a timed race while the rest get to enjoy the downhill in relative ease. As seen in the picture above the start is in snow and it is chaotic.

Team Rivette has landed a big time American energy drink sponsor and is collaborating with another bike company in an effort to win this year’s race. The veteraned, hardcore part of the Rivette Mulisha was the only ones with cahunas big enough to take on the challenge. We thank our sponsors backing us up in this “do or die” project.

To assist us in training and racing, Rivette-hang-around Flemming Tanghus, has accepted in tagging along on this journey. If you are thinking “Flemming who?” ask Team Web-Ike soigneur, helper and very friendly man, Bo “Terminator” Christiansen who he is. Together they are part of a very small select group to have participated in a UCI Downhill World Cup race. Yeah baby! I’m not sure whether Flemming was on his Kona Hei Hei or the neon yellow Wheeler that came after the Kona once it got stolen. Terminator on the other hand, I’m pretty sure was riding his red Ritchey P-22. Could it actually be that Terminator started what is now known as the “Michael Grønbech rigid fork trend”? Oh man – those were the days. Anywho, stay tuned to learn more on our progress. Come July we will be at the front of the pack. 

For more info check out lasts years Mega-experience: http://www.rivette.dk/index.php/dev_log/artikel/megavalanche/

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160 Minutes of X-Mas Le Mans

Klaus Vesterlund showing his true colors.

It is clearly time for an update. Not much has happened the last month or two. At least not in a sporting context. The only exception being one of the most important contest of the year with bragging rights beyond that of any other. I am of course talking about Tom Kristensens annual Christmas get together. For those not familiar with the event it is a go-karting race of 2 hours and 40 minutes sporting ten teams of 4 riders each.

Fittingly for an event of this magnitude it was held in same place as the XC-nationals the town of Aalborg. It is also the hometown of Directeur Sportif, Jesper Skriver who was flown in from the far east only hours before the start. On a side-note several new things were in his bags. More on this later Needless to say the pressure was on for the man. The rest of team Rivette consisted of Peter Bech, Klaus Vesterlund and yours truly. All on separate teams of course. The experienced Tom K knows a threat when he sees one.

Thanks to Tom K for the invitation - it was great!

The duration of the race was (as mentioned) 2 hours and 40 minutes including eight pit-stops, ten push-ups and a “hit the Tom K action-figure” challenge. For those not competing on the race track a tremendous buffet of culinary goodies invited to a true feast. Entertainment other than the actual race was Audi’s newest documentary on the preparation for the 24H of LeMans with loads of behind the scenes commentary.

On the race track things went in all kinds of directions for the bike riders. Directeur Sportif was the only one who delivered and went all out for the highly prestigious win. I for one was not surprised. Speed has always been in the blood of Jesper, as you can see on the photo taking while he and I visited Peter Riis in 2004. The car sponsor of Peter lent us an Audi RS4 and the other two went nuts in a genuine speed-rush.

All done by professionals on open speed german roads of course. Do not attempt at home.

The other pictures were taken by Peter Bech who was assigned the very important task of managing the pit-board within his team. It was quite fascinating to watch the real race-drivers deliver lap-times within 2/10 of a second each lap. Including Tom's son, Oliver. The next generation is definitely ready take over. It has definitely inspired me to pay more attention to this aspect in my bicycle racing for the next season. Tom K was even kind enough to make a gesture whenever overtaking one of us. In general it is unbelievable how humble a guy he is. Not only one the best race-drivers of all times but a real class act too. Thank you for a real good event and best of luck in 2009!

Peter Bech doing what he does best.

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Hot or Not

As the winter has set in here in Northern Europe, the evenings get longer and we’re running out of things to write about. So without regard to the surrounding world here’s our own list of things that are or will be hot and things that certainly aren’t. Please – think of it as a way to pass time and don’t feel personally offended. We’re not out to bash anyone.

Hot
Riserbar – I’ve said it before and will say it again: It’ll be bigger than the internet.
2X9 – If you’re tough enough you don’t need the granny.
White – it’s the new black.
Hutchinson Python – A true classic and very underrated tire. Also known to be Martinez’ favourite mud-tire.
Cyclocross-racing – the true wintersport of mountainbikers.
100mm front suspension – because it’s mountainbiking.
GPS heart rate monitors – it’s just a really fun toy.
All mountain – because it’s fun and your technical skills will increase.
Clip-on mudguards – so nice on muddy trails.

Not
Barends on riserbars – it’s just a no go.
Flatbar without barends – same thing.
White – it will never be black.
Scwalbe – just because it’s so overexposed in Denmark.
Shoe-covers in mtb-races – so nineties. Are you riding at 49 km/h?
Racereports written in present tense – it’s not actually happening now, is it!? 
Rigid carbon forks – it’s not cyclocross for Christ’s sake.
Any sock that’s longer than the ankle – a non-trendy Italian trend that never should have been trendy.
Skinsuits – because it’s not a time-trial or cross-race.
Clip-on mudguards – makes your bike look like something from a warehouse.

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