Our first team training camp here at Lake Garda is slowly coming to an end and it has been a wonderful week for all drivers. Our partner hotel, the Active Hotel SantaLucia in Torbele was the perfect starting point for our tours and really spoils its guests in every respect! So we started every day well strengthened in the wonderful tours, enjoyed our snack right after the tour at the hotel pool and relaxed in the in-house wellness area. In addition, a fitness room that was perfectly tailored to our needs, a great bike cellar with complete equipment and comfortable rooms for a good night's sleep in the really quiet surroundings of the hotel.
Even when it came to food, no wish was left unfulfilled and in the cozy lobby we enjoyed a good drop or two, a cool blond beer or a wonderful cappuchino from the almost antique-looking original Italian coffee machine. In the meeting room, we were also able to hold theoretical inputs in a closed group, which we took with us on the daily excursions and kept reminding each other of the tips. Except for one day, the conditions were always perfect at 14 to 17 degrees, a bright blue sky and clear sunshine. The only small downer was the strong wind on a few days, but as is well known, this is the messenger of good weather and the best training partner.
Already at the beginning of the week there was a great atmosphere within the group and I really have to commend my drivers for the diligent preparation! Right at the beginning there was a small "body check" and during the daily morning exercise it became very clear who had diligently done their homework with stability and stretching exercises. On the other hand, the group was very homogeneous on the bike - on the flat, the minimal differences in performance were well compensated, on the mountain everyone could ride at their own pace or even everyone stayed together if the pace stayed nice and basic.
We spent the first few days on the flat, after a short warm-up lap on Sunday, there were 2 longer basic units without many meters in altitude and a rest day, on which we gathered strength for the first short climbing sections of the season. Things got really tough on Thursday when the strong wind made life a bit difficult for us. The ascent to Lago di Tenno was not a problem, but on the descent to Sarche all kinds of control technology was required when the gusts came from the side. With a strong tailwind we were back in no time and everyone was free to do a little extra lap at will.
The king's stage followed on Friday. With maximum team strength and with masseur Ludwig and photographer Alex in the support car, we first went down the Gardesana to Gargnano. After a brief moment of shock and a short break to take off the clothing we no longer needed, we headed into the mountains. First up to Lago di Valvestino, a beautiful reservoir along which the beautiful road meanders. Up to the "mountain classification" in Capovalle, the group remained compact and after a short rest and rapid descent we reach the idyllic Lago di Idro.
Following it, we continued to Storo and from there through the shady gorge up into the Val de Ledro. Everyone rode up there at their own pace and people waited at the top before the long descent and the fast-paced tunnel led down to Riva. A wonderful tour on the best day of the week and a leisurely bike ride along the promenade at Lake Garda was the enjoyable end. That day, the brunch at the hotel tasted particularly good and everyone was proud of the great day.
Finally, on the last real training day, it was still around Lake Garda, again following the sun first to Salo along the Gardesana, then along some side roads to Desenzano, Pesciera and again via secret paths to Garda, where the group divided according to strength. For some, it was still up to San Zeno with the magnificent view over Lake Garda. With a tailwind, the others rolled leisurely along the shore road back to the AktivHotel.
The team riders, who had traveled a long way, started their journey home early today, and I took the rest of them for a short lap to Lago di Cavedine and through the Sarchetal before we spent the rest of the day on the wonderful terrace of the hotel and reviewed the training camp together let. I myself enjoy the perfect weather here at the lake for another 10 days, explore new tours and am happy to be there for groups and journalists who want tips or support. I'm looking forward to a great time here and to our next training camp in Meran.
Kind regards, your Stefan
