The Bucket Rider recently sat down with former Pro Tour rider Frank Schleck at the Haute Route Ventoux in France for an interesting conversation about gran fondos, Pro Tour racing and more.
With 13 years in the Pro peloton and palmarès including overall victories at Amstel Gold, Tour de Luxembourg, Tour de Suisse, Criterium International and third place at the 2011 Tour de France, plus an incredible stage win on Alpe d'Huez in 2006 he's the real deal.
Read the Bucket Rider's report from Haute Route Ventoux
In person Frank is very relaxed, humble and easily shares a smile while wearing a t-shirt. Retired from the pressures of Pro Tour racing in 2016 he now enjoys spending time with his children and wife, hiking and yes, riding his bike as an ambassador for Mavic.
FS: It's great to be a part of the Mavic legend and help out at events like the Haute Route. As a product ambassedor I test all their products and provide feedback. Shoes, helmets, clothing, wheels, I test all. Bibs are the best I've used in 15 years. Seriously, they are great. The UST tubeless tires and wheels are outstanding too, rode them here (Haute Route Ventoux) and they're like tubulars.
TBR: Anything you miss about Pro Tour racing?
FS: The team environment. Camaraderie of training camps and hanging out with the guys. It's nice to just focus on riding your bike with everything done for you. Wonderful food, support, no drama. Seeing the world at 25mph is amazing.
FS: Crashes. Pressure from media, sponsors. Racing 100 days, training 30,000km year - don't like cold riding. Being away from family is tough.
TBR: Teamwork and camaraderie are a big part of gran fondos. Have you met any riders here?
FS: Yes. I like to meet riders out on the road. I won't bite. Luckily, I speak multiple languages which makes it easier. I helped a Brit today catch a rider on the climb (Malaucène to Ventoux).
TBR: You played domestique for a Haute Route rider?
FS: I talked him through it. Encouraged him. He did the work and caught him.
TBR: Expect a Christmas card from that Brit.
FS: 9,000km year. Just for fun.
TBR: Will you ride your namesake Schleck Gran Fondo next year?
FS: Yes. It's May 26. Last year we had over 2000 riders. I want to help share the experience of riding, setting a goal, suffering and meeting the goal. Gran Fondo mass sport events are perfect - everyone equal and it promotes living a healthy lifestyle.
(The Scheck Gran Fondo in Luxemburg is part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.)
TBR: Favorite beer?
FS: Velosophe, of course. Maybe Stella.
TBR: Is it okay to drink a beer at the Haute Route?
FS: Don't be too hard on yourself. It's ok to have a beer after a tough ride. Everyone earns congratulations climbing to the top of Ventoux. That's a big deal.
TBR: How can we get you to the US for the Mavic Haute Route Rockies or Haute Route Utah, they have some fun dirt sections?
FS: Just starting to ride dirt, trying it out. But I need a bike.
TBR: Come on over. I think Mavic might have a spare yellow bike...
Read the Bucket Rider's report on the Mavic Haute Route Rockies
FS: Ride steady. Think about catching someone. Channel emotions into power. Keep negative thoughts away, especially when someone catches and passes you, that's hard mentally. Everyone (is) at their limit and suffers the same on climbs, Pros just do it faster.
TBR: Do you know when you'll have a good day?
FS: No. You train, prepare, do everything right and feel good. But there are no guarantees it will all come together. Like Forest Gump said "you never know what you'll get".
John is a former faux pro racer enjoying life as a geriatric cyclist in search of great bucket list rides to keep him in shape and out of trouble - well, at least in shape.
He writes about his Bucket Rides in all their variety and glory for Granfondo.com. See his other pieces here
0 Comments
