Q&A before Strade Bianche

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What were your thoughts of riding the TDU with a pro-team?

This year down under was completely different; in 2013 I rode with UniSA. In that team we didn't have any pressure and a particular leader, so we all had our own opportunities to show ourselves. 

With Trek this year we had a strong line up; obviously Frank Schleck arrived in Australia with ambitions to fight for the overall. Our job was to support him and give him the best opportunity to fight it out at the front, for me there was no chance to show myself in breakaways, but I knew that from the beginning and was more than happy to play a support role for a leader like Frank! 

Since the TDU what has been happening with your race program?

After TDU I went on and raced in the Herald Sun tour, it was nice to return as defending champ. Obviously defending my title didn't eventuate as Simon Clarke went on to win overall. It was a real shame for the final stage of Arthur's seat to be cancelled. This was the stage that was going to form the top 10 overall and I believed I would have been amongst the top riders there. Since returning to Europe I had raced some one day races in France. Sud Ardeche and La Drome classic. Yesterday was had GP Camaiore where the team performed strongly. Tomorrow I am very excited to be riding Strade Bianche. 

With the GP Camaiore Trek finished well and you finished in the same group as your inspiration Simon Gerrans surely that must have been rewarding?

Yesterday in Camaiore I was riding in full support of our Columbian rider Julian Arredondo and Riccardo Zoidl. Julian went onto fight for the podium and finished in 3rd. I know as far as Simon was concerned he was there to prepare for his ambitions in the Ardennse classics. 

 The Strade Bianche has become an important race on the Pro Calendar. This is your first race what is your expectations?

It's a spectacular race, and it's one of the first classics. I know a lot of the top contenders will be using this race to fine tune their form and condition for the coming classics in Belgium. I'm really excited to be riding in full support of our leader and previous winner Fabian. What my job throughout the race will be we will have to see, but I'm really excited to experience this style of race. After riding on the parcours today I know it's going to be a really tough day! 

 

Fabian winning in 2012 Courtesy RCS Sport

Courtesy RCS Sport

The “white road ” race is weather dependent, that is muddy or dusty. What weather conditions are you expecting? 

The forecast is for a clear day, so I guess we are all pretty happy about that. With the white gravel roads it will be so important to be riding good position all day, and with a leader like Fabian hopefully we will have respect within the peloton to sit at the front. 

Trek has given you many races early in the year. How are you coping?

So far so good. It's all managed very professionally. There will be a lot of racing and recovering so in that aspect there won't be huge amounts of training needed. But I've got faith in the team and trainers to support and nurture me through the long year. 

As the former champion of the Herald Sun Tour, Trek was very gracious in allowing you to race. How did this come about?

Yeah it was great that I was able to return to the Sun Tour, maybe in the next few years the race will continue to grow and the whole team will be able to be there. It wasn't a big problem for me to stay a little longer in Australia, in actual fact it worked out for the best as the weather in Europe was pretty cold and miserable.  

 Where are you basing yourself for the World Tour and why?

I will be based in the South of France. It's a great area for training and I have some close friends around for support and to train with. 

What are you future plans?

For now the plan is to move forward and continue to grow and mature throughout the next two years. I'm in great hands and I'm just excited and privilege to be in such a nice team with great leaders. I'm excited for what the future holds. 

Good Luck 

Q&A with CALVIN WATSON

Recently turning 21 Calvin Watson steps-up with his first race with his new team Trek Factory Racing. 

Read about his hilarious exploits at the team camp from Cal himself and cyclingtips  here

Racing his second Tour Down Under with Jens Voigt and Frank Schleck 


Congratulations on your contract  with Trek Factory Racing! Wow you must be floating on the world racing with the likes of Fabian Cancellara, Andy Schleck and Jens Voigt?

Thanks. Honestly I have to pinch myself at times, to be on the same team as guys I've looked up to and admired for many years it's quiet curial. But it's an amazing opportunity I've been given and I can't wait to take it all on. 

Your outnumbered with Kiwi’s.. surely this is not usual for Aussie Pro-riders?

Yeah there's obviously two Kiwi's on the team, Jesse and Hayden. They are both great guys and real characters. Being around them is similar to being around two Aussies, we can relate to each other so it doesn't really feel any different. 

What are your thoughts of racing your Home UCI World Tour?

It's defiantly special to be here in Adelaide preparing for the Tour Down Under. It's a fantastic race, and after riding it last year I would of be been a little disappointed missing out this year, it's our home race so it's always nice to be apart of. 

Could I ask some questions to help get your fans know you more?

Nickname? 

Cal
                        
Home club?

Caulfield Carnegie Cycling Club 

Favourite local rides? 

Glenvale and Sandown criteriums

Inspirations or role model? 

Simon Gerrans 

What type of rider would you describe your self as?

Maybe a rouler, I like climbing and time trialling also. I think I am yet to find where my real strengths lie. 

How are you progressing after you tumble on the road last week?

I am fine after my incident with the car while training, I am very lucky the injuries were not much worse so for that I am happy. It would of been a disaster to have missed out of riding TDU if the situation was worse. 

How did your contract with Trek Factory Racing come about?

Trek have recruited quiet a few young guys, so that played into my hands. Also after winning the Herald Sun tour that began to spark some interest. With the help of my manager Alex Carrera I was lucky enough to sign with Trek.  

Its your 2nd TDU, what are your expectation for 2014?

This will be my second time racing TDU so I kind of have an idea of how the race goes. We are here with a top quality line up and we are quiet ambitious. I think I will play a team roll throughout the week, whether that's helping keep Frank out of trouble or helping the Van Poppel brothers in the finishes. We will see! 

You were DNF for the Road Nats which was the hardest Championships ever are we to take any meaning from this?

The nationals was a tough race that's for sure, being the first race of the year it's always hard to be in top condition. I was quiet happy with how my legs felt, but I was obviously unable to go with the attacks in the final laps. It was my first year racing the Elites so it was certainly a big step up from the U23 race. But we saw in the end that Simon was a level above and the three strongest riders were on the podium. 

I know its early but what possible races would you be racing this year?

 After TDU, I will return to Europe, and begin with Tour of Catalunya, some one day races in France and then go onto Tour of Romandi, Tour of California and Criterium Dauphine. It's a great program. 

We would all like to wish you success in the exciting year

You have raced with AIS development teams. How important is government and private sponsorship at the juniors levels for Australia’s continued development as a cycling powerhouse?

This is where the talent comes from, it's the grass routes. So the funding and the sponsors are what make the opportunities possible. We are very lucky to have such great sponsors on board the Australian system. 

Thanks for your time and good luck for 2014. Are their any people you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are now?

There's obviously many people who I could name, and have been very influential in my development. The big one of Dave Sanders, he was my first coach at the VIS and has always stuck by me, so I thank him for that! 

Cheers Cal

I am sure Dave will be happy to see you ride well.