This week, the Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld Professional and Development Team traveled to Cannondale's headquarters in Connecticut for their preseason preparation for the long season ahead.
Their week started before I arrived to the scene, with the group getting immersed into the side of the bike industry that racers don't often see. Everyone from Tim Johnson to Harrison White got to meet with the sales reps, accountants and the other folks who ensure that the business side of the brand is running smoothly. The following days were filled with technique training, riding, team building exercises and dialing in the elements of their cyclocross bike before the season begins.
Use the slider below to look at how one of the largest professional cyclocross teams in the United States gets ready for the season.
Picking Up Speed
The Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com Team finds different times to dismount before the barriers. © Andrew Reimann / Cyclocross Magazine
“The cool thing about cyclocross is that it really tests your abilities,” Curtis White said of coming together as a team and walking through drills specific to the sport. “There’s really not that many places to hide on the course. Sure you need your base on the road, but there are so many things you have to prepare for that are specific to cyclocross.”
The day wasn’t all business, however, and the teams found ways to have some fun. The riders grouped up in teams of three for relay-style racing, with three unfortunate groups having to pair with a journalist as well. For the last three laps, the team had to use the same bike for all three riders.
Although Katie Antonneau and Cooper Willsey had the back luck of pairing off with the editor of Cyclocross Magazine, I’m happy to report that the three of us were able to use Antonneau’s race machine to guide us to victory over the rest of the groups.
Trebon leads the pack around the turn. © Andrew Reimann / Cyclocross Magazine
