We’re all familiar with Chris Anker Sorenson’s fantastic pain management skills. But when you’re 1.5km from the top of a mountain-top finish in a Grand Tour, and Xabier Tondo has just been let off the leash to run you down, even he needs a little extra help. That’s when SaxoBank calls in Pascal:
“On the last three kilometres I am in the car with goosebumps all over my body and inches away from being a nervous wreck screaming out the window, then screaming into the steering wheel while Pascal is hanging out the sunroof rooting for Chris.” [source]
[Pascal is roughly 1000kb and may take a moment to load.]
[Here’s a small version for forum posts/headshots.]
I’m glad I’m not the only one who loved this detail of yesterday’s stage! Touchingly old-school.
I commented via Twitter that surely he was yelling “What Would Jens! Do”?
Pascal is a” larger than life Mechanic with a heart of Gold”! Really touched that you have chosen to give him a high profile on your blog as he has helped me so many times in the past years!
Countless occasions he and others have come through with advice, parts and support, in fact these “Pro Tour Workers are the reason i can keep going even in the worst conditions.
Thursday after the crash on the race route before the arrival at Novi Liguri i arrived at Park Hotel , Piacenza where 3 teams were overnighting. Many of the racers and support staff saw how badly knocked up i was and were sympathetic and amazed when i got on with the job of putting the bike back into 100% condition so as to be able to ride race route in the morning if possible. Lampre Team guys were joshing me throughout and to them i am “JOHNNY” a long story for another day.
Friday i was back at the hotel before going to the start of the race where i rode around the parking as i could not walk with the whole right side spasming if weight was applied, strangely enough i could bear the pain of pedalling, little choice though.
After greeting Liquigas, Garmin & Lampre Racers the night before i was able to catch up with Carlos,Cadel, Stephano,Vino and of course Lloydie amongst the many i have come to know through the years. Even gave John Murphy the request to say “Aiuto Disabili” when he was on the podium but he has now gone home so i hope he remembers to do so elsewhere!
These past days at “home “in Zillertal have been painful but full of “Aussie Sporting Success” yatching(the pink lady), car racing(Porsche & F1) and Cycling (Lloydie & Cadel ‘s Victories ) so time abed has passed quickly enough.
Next week in the Dolomites regardless of the pain as i ride the climbs since i will be accustomed to it by then and i hope the weather changes for the better as looking at today’s etappe with Vino in skillet at 67km to go tells me i am not missing the usual may weather.
AGAIN THANKS TO ALL THE PRO TOUR MECHANICS FOR HELP & SUPPORT !!
That was classic. Screw any future radio ban. Just get the sunroofs.
Who else is enjoying the Universal Sports coverage with Steve and Gogo in Steve’s Mom’s basement. Just waiting for her to yell down that their pancages are ready and Steve yelling back, “Not now Ma, we’re still on the air!”.
Cadel looks like he is riding smart right now. See how it goes.
@M: now, now—the Universal Sports guys may sound like a couple of doofs reading off cue sheets, but they’re at least trying to have a clue. While it’s a step down from last year’s live coverage British dude, it’s a definite step up from last year’s recap commentary.
@skippy: I’ve found pro mechanics to be pretty friendly folks in my limited interactions. Are you still out at the Giro? Got some links to good stories for us?
Wed. 5/19: Well, your hypothesis that time gaps force riders to take the initiative is about to be tested!
@Sebastian: And how!
All we need is some one that’s good working with their hands with reasonable mechanical skills, and again “a positive attitude”, and get complete information to be a Professional bike mechanic.
Mechanics really are the unsung heroes of the cycling community. First up, last to bed and busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest throughout the day!