Simon Gerrans Interview – Eyeing Le Tour

SG: Well thanks. I am currently in Holland, Belgium. I am racing here tomorrow. I have a few other Spring Classics planned before another training phase.

CT: Are you going to a training camp after the Spring Classics?

SG: Yeah, I will be spending most of May in Boulder, Colorado, training at altitude. It will be a vital step in the process of getting as ready as possible for Le Tour.

CT: Do you have some training partners to help you?

SG: I will train a bit with fellow Aussie Chris Legh, a good mate. There are always other Aussies in Boulder too, which makes it a fun place to live and train. Last year I trained in Colorado too and I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time with Lance Armstrong, Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer.

CT: Did you learn much from them?

SG: Yeah for sure. They are three statesmen of the sport and I learned a lot.

CT: Let’s talk more about the training camp in Boulder. Do you train once or twice a day?

SG: Just once but they are long rides, anywhere from 3 ½ to 5 ½ hours per day I spend on the bike.

CT: Does the altitude take much time to get used to?

SG: Yeah I take it quite easy the first week. The intensity is low. After this initial week is over I train harder for a few weeks, that is when the main training is done.

CT: What sort of training will you be focusing on during the camp?

SG: Mainly just strength work with minimal amounts of higher intensity stuff. I tend to do 2-3 days of hard training followed by a day of easier riding for recovery.

CT: Talk us through a typical day on camp.

SG: Since I am only doing the one ride per day I don’t get up all that early or go to bed all that early either. I wake up at a reasonable hour, have some breakfast, then hit the roads around 9:30am. I ride for 3 ½ to 5 ½ hours. During the afternoon I might get a massage. On the easy recovery days I often go to the gym, but the gym workouts are quite light.

CT: What do the gym sessions consist of?

SG: Mainly just core work consisting of glutes, lower abdominal and stabilisation exercises. I don’t lift heavy weights, especially at this time of the year.

CT: What are your thoughts on Le Tour? You are no doubt expecting a start for Team Sky?

SG: The final team won’t be announced for quite some time. But I am confident that I will be on the team.

CT: What is your form like at the moment compared to previous years?

SG:   In training the past few months I have been doing a lot more longer threshold rides and longer climbs than previous years. I haven’t done much high intensity explosive work. I think that this could disadvantage me in the Spring Classics, but in terms of my preparations for the Tour de France, I think that I am without a doubt fitter and stronger than ever, and that this year will hopefully be my best tour to date.

CT: Do you ever sleep in an altitude tent?

SG: Yes, I sleep in an altitude tent on and off. I think they work well and are obviously the best substitution for when I can’t be physically at altitude.

CT: How is life on the road treating you?

SG: Not too bad. I am still really enjoying living out of suitcases and spending most of the year travelling.

CT: There seems to be some very talented young Australian’s on the rise, what are your views as the reasons behind this?

SG: Cycling in Australia is indeed looking strong. It is a credit to the system as a whole. From the grassroots levels to the state institutes. It is great to see.

CT: Thanks for your time, good luck for the remaining Spring Classics. Hope to see a big Tour.