CSC - First Class

[TriJim]

CSC (the IT Company) hosted a special presentation by Bjarne Riis, Bobby Julich, and Jens Voigt at the US military facility here in Stuttgart this afternoon.

Jens and Bobby told us that innovation and personal responsibility are key strengths for Team CSC. They joked about their diet indiscretions (McDonalds and beer were mentioned), importance of maintaining a low body weight for climbing, and their differences in strength training (apparently Julich does core workouts on a fit ball while Jens plays video games). Both strongly supported CSC's unique Boot Camps.

Bjarne discussed the importance of teamwork, communication, and values as key elements of his cycling team. He discussed the Team Training Camp ("Boot Camp") and how this provides the stressful environment needed to teach and evaluate leadership and perseverence. Personal coaching is an important method for developing all of their riders. (apparently traditional teams do not provide formal coaching for their riders)

Thanks to CSC (the IT Company) for sponsoring this unique event.
Good Luck to CSC (the cycling team) and their 16 riders competing in Stuttgart this week. :beer:

[tch]

mention their team drug regimen?

[rinconryder]

I think he said it was CSC, not Disco.

[TriJim]

This was a friendly audience and in front of their sponsor; so all of the talk was positive.

Riis commented that cycling is under a dark cloud right now due to the drug concerns. CSC's proactive response has been an agressive in-team testing program and rider contract sanctions for drug use. The issue is addressed, but I can't add any detail that you haven't already seen in the press.

[Fixed]

bro b.j. looks like a old woman
imho
cheers

[TriJim]

bro b.j. looks like a old woman
imho
cheers

Both Julich and Voigt are peaking right now and you may be seeing their "racing weight." CSC trains and races with power meters and while they don't watch every bite, they certainly monitor their daily weight fluctuations (as a key part of their power to weight ratio) The riders spoke about gaining 10 kilos within the first two weeks at the end of the season and called this their "happy weight." They don't strength train because the extra muscle weight slows them on the climbs.


An interesting anecdote - CSC has a set-up for motor pacing where they monitor the rider's heart rate and power output and drive the pace vehicle faster to challenge them. Ouch.


Bobby has a few more races this season, but Voigt will finish his season on Sunday. Both riders have contracts with CSC for next year and are contemplating retirement in the next couple years.