Competitions

Inside Team Vacansoleil-DCM-Ridley: the work of mechanics

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Parent Category: Competitions

Category: Race 2011

Published on Thursday, 28 April 2011 07:47

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Thanks to: Ridley, DCM, Vacansoleil, Fast Forward, Etixx, Vredestein, Rotor, KMC, Tacx, Morgan Blue, Lazer, Selle San Marco, Deda Elementi, Forza, SMS Santini

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At Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2011 we were able to observe closely the work of the team mechanics Vacansoleil-DCM-Ridley.

The preparation of the bike for the race begins on the day before, but even before, when determining the technical decisions to be taken on each of the athletes who will participate in the bike race. You choose the appropriate frame, the wheels and the sprocket. The mechanics offer their advice, but then every athlete in absolute freedom. Saddle, seatpost, handlebar and stem, are not touched, because now chosen by the athletes during the winter training. All athletes have three bikes, usually two and a Ridley Helium Noah, but the sprinters have two Noah and Helium, while three athletes running with bike Ridley Damocles. In Liege 2011, all athletes have started with the Ridley Helium, which can easily reach the UCI weight limit of 6.8kg. After determining which components to use for bike and the race begins the work of mechanics. All bikes are thoroughly washed, and then proceed to a thorough greasing of front and rear derailleur, chain, brakes and cables. He carefully checks the frame to check for any possible failure, and therefore careful scrutiny of all the correct mounting screws. Possibly worn parts are replaced, as the handlebars or the seat and handlebar belt. The chain is checked to verify its state of wear and replaced if necessary, otherwise well-oiled. Even the tubes are thoroughly checked and cleaned, if necessary changed. We always use a liquid anti drilling. The brake pads are checked and replaced if necessary. We carefully monitor the wheels and then mounting the sprocket, they also thoroughly cleaned and reconditioned. Then proceed to a careful development of the exchange rate and the derailleur, not without having checked the exact alignment of the chain and the correct assembly of the chain guide. Are then checked and lubricated the pedals and finally mounted the front wheel and checked the distance of the brake pads from the rim. The bike, now ready for the race, is stored in the truck, where he stayed all night. On the morning of the race proceeds to the pressure monitoring tube and eventually the bike is delivered to the athlete. After the race, at least to Liege, the bike is washed and cleaned again, we proceed to a new greasing, while on any bike is pinned by the athlete had any disadvantage in the race. The general revision of the bike, the troubleshooting and replacement of worn parts is then sent back to when the team will return home, but if it were a stage race would be started again from scratch.