A leap into History...

One small leap for me, One giant leap for SRAM. This photo sums it up. Leap (aka the frog) has made it to Paris and beyond. Dirk shot this photo of me waving the flag early in the final stage on Sunday the 29th awaiting the riders at the Place de la Concorde. The flag is a symbol of our products and our technology. It¹s a concluding image and a concluding entry in our "Tour de Force".

The road to Paris and becoming ProTour proven was long. It started as I said a while ago about 2 years ago. Its been filled with ups and downs, but mostly ups. Its been a huge undertaking, with countless people that have helped along the way. If I had to sum it up, it would be hard ­ but with the great product and great people we did it and won. We've overcome huge criticism and skepticism. We¹ve overcome a very conservative audience. We have come to the tour and completed it. Thousands of miles in rental cars. Thousands of miles in RV's. Thousands of frog stickers. Thousands of miles on bikes. Thousands of pushes on the DoubleTap controls. Thousands of spins of the Force Crankset. And thousands of little details that went into supporting it all.

Many thanks go out to all of us that have helped. First to Scott Bikes. Without the trust and partnership of Pascal and Hermann we wouldn't have had this opportunity. Next thanks to the core team at Saunier Duval aka GM bikes ­ Mauro, Matxim, David, Jose, Daniele, Roberto, Robert, Virginie, and all those that support the Saunier Duval team ­ Thanks. Then the riders ­ Raul, Jose, Raivis, Rubens, David C, David D, Iker, Juan Jose, Jesus, Alberto, Arkaitz, Koldo, Jose Angel, Angel, Ruben, Peter, Iban, David M, Javier, Manuele, Leonardo, Christophe, Lucianio, Riccardo, Gilberto, Francisco, Guido, and Carlos ­ thanks for your patience, your trust, and your perseverance ­ you¹ve been a great team to work with, and we look forward to another successful year. Don¹t relax too much as the season isn't over quite yet - Force still has quite some miles that you¹ll be putting on. Next up is the team at SRAM; Ron, Charles, Scott, Dirk, Gaetan, Wim, Markus, Alex, Andy, Michael, Benny, Michael, JoAna and all the team at SRAM who delivered kickass products and support to help us launch the most successful product in the cycling industry!

I wrote everything above right after the finish on Sunday on my way from Paris to Munich. Monday night I arrived in Munich to find out about the news on Mayo. I was filled with mixed emotions and unsure about an actual reaction. Certainly its disappointing news and something that we had no idea about, but for us ­ were not judging. For us, its all about our products. We developed the Force line of components to be ProTour ready and race proven. They were developed by a huge team and then sent out in the marketplace with a huge line of support. Saunier Duval is our first ProTour team, but certainly not our first team to compete successfully on our products. We've had countless individuals and professional organizations riding SRAM for years now. In fact to date we have logged over 1 million kilometers on the product. We will continue to design and develop innovative products for you through all the ups and downs of the sport. We believe in cycling. We believe in performance products. That¹s what we do and who we are. We believe in ourselves and the people around us. We are SRAM.

Sightings...

So if youre in the right place at the right time, you can bump into just about anyone at the tour. It certainly helps to have backstage passes. Here's some random shots to enjoy....if you dont know who these folks are....then let me know....

Matxin!

The lead Sports Manager for the team is Matxin. His real name is Joxean Fernandez, but everyone calls him Matxin - pronounced "Ma Cheen". Maxtin is the man. He is often seen driving a car behind all the lead riders coaching them on, and keeping their spritis high. Matxin was driving the car on the TT stage when David Millar blew out the 2 wheels. I was sitting next to him during all the chaos, but he kept his cool. He's a super pro. Congrats Matxin on a great tour. By the way, Matxin is one of those guys that can quadruplemultitask while driving. That means he can talk on a radio with one hand, on a cell phone with the other, watch the in car tv, drive in mass traffic with motorcycles all around, shout directions at the rider, drink, eat, and downshift all at once....Oh yeah...he can drive real well too.

Download matxijn_noisemaker.mov

Tapas at the Tour

So last night, after the finish, we met up with Mauro and the whole team and the sponsors at a cool little Tapas bar for a congratulations dinner. It was a great chance to shake everyones hands in a relaxed non pressure environment. We also got to meet all the big wigs at the corporate offices of Saunier Duval. The best line though goes to Dirk - who was spotted by Mayo and he said, "Hey - SRAM - (your stuff rocks smile), and he gave a big thumbs up!".

The final ceremony

After the final, all the riders parade 1 last lap together team by team. Here's the final 7 rampin up the CHAMPS ELYSEES. Its a really cool ceremony to see live. You get to see all the riders slowly in front of you. That is, if you can get a close enough spot to watch. Most of the time there's 10 people deep crowds!

The arch!

Paris is a great place to watch a bike race. Dirk and I just had to ham it up in front of the arch.
But leap was the biggest ham - posing on top of the arch. Leap made it to the tour! Finally.

The riders...

Here's some quick snaps of all the riders from SD that finished the race. There were 6 of them in total, Millar, Mayo, Rinero, Canada, De la Fuente, Camano, and Cobo. Unfortunately Ventoso did not finish due to a crash. So pictured here are the 7. Congratulations to you all!!!!!

The Finish...

Dirk and I are headed to dinner with the team. I've got a ton of stuff from the day, and it sure was a good day. Lots of good exposure for Force. We did it guys! Force just completed its first TDF. More soon...but here's a little nugget....

DZDownload champs.mov

Chasing Yellow

Just before the last 30 riders go on the course, James Startt offered me a ride in his car to one of his photo locations, a little village just 10 km after the start. Once the yellow jersey came flying by he yelled at me “lets go “ and our race to chase yellow was on. Contador was followed not only by his team car, an official car, helicopter, no! Ambulance, 16 Photographers on Motos, a hand full of Police on Motos, and road service cars. No problem for James! Honking at the Gendarmerie, passing cars and Motos with Millimeters between us, racing with 60 km/h through little villages, so close to people standing at the road so I could read the time at their watches, we were between the motos within minutes. I can’t remember when the last was I buckled up in the back voluntarily. Next thing James wants to find out the GC times of the top3, so he pulls a L”Equipe up and one handed driving reads the paper, still rallying through the villages surrounded by Motos. Still every face I looked into had a smile...once at the finish, we sprinted for the podium shots, James to the front, me to the back... What a great race, thank you James for this experience.

Sandpaper texture 10

The morning of the TT started wet. Having a closer look at the road surface looks a bit scary. In the international sandpaper texture grade this would not be more than a 10. Let’s hope no one will get too close today.

David Millar Cockpit

To make sure he can get the perfect warm-up for the TT, David has set up a nice cockpit at his handlebar. He finished the 45 min warm-up with a smile.

Tour People – covering the Tour 49 times!

The Tour is a big family with great, interesting people, which all have a story to tell. Between James Startt and Sam Abt the have covered 49 Tour de France races! Both Americans that live and have lived in Paris to cover European cycling. James Startt did his 18th Tour this year, delivering some of the best emotional photos to the world. James covers the Tour this year for Bicycling USA and Top Velo France, for more of his photo work visit www.jamesstartt.net. Sam Abt will finish his 31st and last Tour de France today. He has covered the race for newspapers like the International Herald Tribune, the most well-known English newspaper in Europe, yesterday he received the supreme non-cycling award given by the Tour de France organization.

Lars Teutenberg from Germany is a Mr. Schwalbe at the Tour. He is supporting the Team Gerolsteiner the complete Tour to help getting the tires ready. When he is not working for Schwalbe Lars also supports SRM systems with technical training for the pros or is racing and testing for SRAM, he just got the second place in the German TT Champion ships on SRAM Force.

Just outside of the press room I ran into a familiar face looks like Lenny Karwitz stopped by to bring the Tour some peace, love and happiness...

Millar's being watched!

I got the opportunity ot ride in David Milalr's support car in the TT today. Out of the start gate he had 2 rear wheel failures that I'll post on later, but here's a little snip of the helicopter that followed us most of the way.Download heli2.mov

Wanna Drink?

It takes a lot of bottles to support a team. On average each rider consumes 30-40 bottles on a big stage. Usually half of those bottles will be emptied on top of their heads to cool them down, and the other half get consumed or thrown to the side after a gulp or 2. Here's some pics of the typical cooler kept in the cars...

Which way does this thing go?

OK - who's gonna tell him!

The kids of the tour..

Occasionally you see spectators at the Tour. But every once and a while you see the future of the sport. Here's some kids getting the insider tour of the tour...

The Badger rides SRAM!!!

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5x winner of the Tour de France Bernard Hinault knick named the Badger is riding SRAM Force! Bernard Hinault retired 20 years ago in 1986, since 2006 he is back racing again.
Hinault who introduced the click pedal in the peloton always liked to have innovative products on his bike, so when he heard about SRAM coming out in 2006 with a new group set the choice was not difficult for him. After almost one year of back racing again he is really satisfied with the performance of the group set.
In a personal interview this morning with him he told me that he very much likes the ergonomics, shifting and braking performance! Besides that it is very light and easy to handle according to a friendly Bernard Hinault.

Behind the scene

When you watch the Tour de France on TV you often wonder what is happening behind the scene. As you may know, the Tour de France is not only about racing; it includes so many other things. The Tour de France is like a small town moving every day acrossFrance. Around 3000 cars and 5000 people take the road every day to guaranty the success of the “Grande Boucle”.

On our SRAM Tour de Force trip, Charlie, Markus, Wim, Alex and I saw the Tour de France with a different eye. To understand exactly what I mean, click play and enjoy…

Download behind_the_scene.mov

Polka-dot jersey: new contender?

If one thinks the polka jersey will not change hands until the end of the Tour, one could be surprised. In the last days of this year’s Tour de France, a second polka-dot jersey has been spotted showing off his skills in front of his team mates.

Let’s wait and see!

Trusting SRAM, Racing SRAM, Drinking SRAM !!!

Whenever the Saunier Duval riders take a coffee, they choose the SRAM cup. So if you are around the Team Bus in the next few days and feel like a coffee, no choice it has to be the SRAM cup.

The Force Commercial

And for those of you that missed it on Versus or other posts, here it is...
Download maketheleap_60_final.mov

What's going on?

I'm really feelin weird about this years tour. With all the scandals and dismissals, shouldnt the organizers just stop the race? Who in their right mind would feel good about winning now? Well that's for someone else to decide.

Dirk and I are off for a quick ride, then going to get ourselves to Cognac for the lastt TT before the finish. Its been a wild ride. Lots of ups and downs. But that's the tour. Let us all remember why were here. Its to support FORCE. Whatever happens, Force has won. Its shown us that it can handle all the ups and downs. It can handle all the controversial highs and lows. It can handle the scandals. It can handle the climbs. It can handle the sprints. It can handle the speed and battles of the greatest race on earth. The Force is here to stay.

More live from the TT. I gotta go change.

Anti-Dopage

Here it is. This is the place that all the leaders have to go. I'm keeping a careful eye on the situation! Here's what they told me at the gate: (you be the judge)

Every rider in the Tour is tested for banned substances prior to the race. Various cyclists are tested after every stage, according to a selection process determined before the race. Under current rules, at least 180 urine drug tests are given, including daily drug tests for the race leader and stage winner and six to eight cyclists selected at random throughout the field.

Tour drug tests are administered in accordance with the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale and the French Federation of Cycling or Federation Françoise de Cyclisme. TheTour conducts banned substance testing under secure and strictly monitored conditions. A specially equipped caravan is established near the finish line of every stage to transport drug samples to a private location following the race. Drug test samples are then transported by private plane for analysis, and results are quickly reported to Tour officials.

What an adventure!

After 4500 Km, 600 L of diesel and two weeks on the road, the Tour de Force Hymer camper has made it home safely.

The European Road PR crew accompanied by American colleagues Alex Wasmann and Charlie Walker made sure they were seen and heard on the Tour de France scene. The adventure started on the 12th of July, with the Etape du Tour, where 8500 people rode an extremely difficult stage of the Tour de France one week prior the professional riders.

A few days later, the Tour de Force adventure continued in Tallard on July the 18th. During the following days, the Hymer camper was seen in Marseille, Montpellier, Albi, Mazamet and Foix. Either in the narrow streets of Marseille, or on the heights of the Cantal (800 m), people took a close look at it.

If you happen to meet anybody who was at the Tour de France, ask him about the SRAM Tour de Force camper, I am sure he will tell you a good story.

The Road to Paris - epilog 1

2 years ago, I developed a plan to get SRAM to Paris. It included launching 2 road groups to the international media, sponsoring some race teams, going to some trade shows, and a whole bunch of other 'marketing' type elements. Today I sit here in the United terminal of Chicago's O'Hare airport awaiting the concluding element of the initial launch of SRAM Road.

I'm awaiting my flight to Paris. The flight that will put it all to a sort of closure to me. Its going to be a long flight. Usually I think about the work ahead, and the things I have to do as soon as I get on the ground. Usually I think about the logistics of travel and the type of car the car rental place will issue me. Usually I think about where my best meal will be, or where the best street food can be found. But today, all I'm thinking about is Paris. And of course my family whom I'm leaving for 7 days.

I'm off to catch the final days of the Tour de Force. We've been doing pretty good with Saunier Duval. Mayo has had some good results. Millar has had some good results. The balance of the team has had an amazing race. Force has shined on us. Force has shown to us that it is Pro-Tour proven. Force will be victorious. We didn't seek out to win the Tour. We sought out to race in the tour.

I'll be chasing the last days of the tour into Paris. For those of you wondering what the heck I'll be doing over there, here's my agenda: 1. I'm going blog about Force and its happenings at the Tour. 2. I'm going to meet with Team management to talk about how things went, and how they'll go in the future. 3. I'll meet with the bike brand Scott (bike sponsor of Saunier Duval) to talk about how we promote our great showing at the Tour and the Giro. 4. I'll intercept a few hopeful teams that want to have SRAM sponsor them for upcoming seasons. 5. I'll ensure that SRAM has a visible presence on and around the race. We've been praised for really providing top notch support to the industry, in the way that the competition has not seen before. 6. I'll review how the tech side of things went with Wim - or man on the streets liaison for SD. 7. Meet with key media to talk about Force - I have Steve Madden (Executive editor for Bicycling) on the line for a meeting. 8. Try to connect with ASO (Event promoter) to see what type of future sponsorship opportunities might exist for us. I'll also connect with Versus' staffers Robie Ventura and Frankie Andreau to keep up the Force hype. 9. Frog Guerrilla - try to see if I can get some frogs visible - Make the Leap! 10. And finally - enjoy it. Its important to stop and smell the pavement every once and a while. We've all worked hard for the Tour de Force, and I want to make sure that I take a little home for everyone.

Stay tuned! - DZ.

SRAMparazzi update

"Paris Stakeout." Day 13

Well we've not yet captured Ms. Hilton on film anywhere here in the South of France. The biggest fish thus far was that Belgian, Johann M., a few days ago who apparently was famous for lifting a fairly small square stone above his head every April for a few of years in the Northern part of France.

Markus and Gaetan yelled after this guy pictured below. First he ran (they all do) but we got him - and riding SRAM Force too! He looks familiar...maybe famous. Well better safe than sorry is what DZ & Dirk told us. Wait, I know who this guy is: he's the chap who's hand all the podium winners in the Tour have to shake first, right after the get their kisses and flowers...maybe he lifted an April Pave-ment over his head once too. Who knows?

Juan Jose Cobo pics

JJ Cobo really impressed us yesterday, so here are some pics from his "Mas Fuerte" workout of the SRAM Force TT gruppo aboard his Scott Plasma

old school style...

overtaking Beltran...

you can see how focused he and Iban Mayo are here before their late afternoon start times...

This morning he was all recharged and feeling strong for the day ahead. It's SD's house here in the Pyrenees and JJ's on his commute up to the office at Plateau de Beille...

Rober loves the Sram cups

...or the coffee that's in there. Bikes are prepared, the riders ready to go, so there is time for SD's mechanic Rober for a short break before the crew rushes to the finish line.

Mr Super Fan

At the same time every year, Jean-Claude jumps in his camper van to follow every single stage of the Tour de France. For the last 10 years, Jean-Claude and his wife have kept track of the Grande Boucle.

One of his favorite teams is without doubt Team Saunier Duval. Wearing a Team T-shirt and having transformed the inside of his van into the color of the Spanish Team, he is the ultimate fan.

So if you happen to be on the Village départ or at the finish of the Tour de France, look out for Jean-Claude and his SRAM cap. If you cannot make it to the Tour, watch out on TV he may be in front of the camera.

Keep you are eyes open….

Our frog flag is on the way to Australia

Shannon from "Melbourne, Oz" was so kind to save our frog from losing it's legs... She and her father are following the whole tour. Thanks again and safe travels back. Please say Hi to SRAM's thunda-from-downunda, Rob "the beaver" Eva!

your Srammies

Saunier Duval wrenching tip

Any good mechanic has singular tricks and secrets to prepare the ultimate racing bike. At Saunier Duval they have something extra special. Either in the tool box or on the head the SRAM cap gives them the added advantage… 

Meilleur grimpeur!

Today, the Pyrénnées and still no clear contender for the Polka dot jersey. Wherever you are and wherever you look there seems to be a polka dot jersey around. All very confusing… don’t you think?

Let’s wait after the weekend to find out!

Albi tt from the car

Hi everyone,

If you're catching any of this on TV, we can tell you 'yes' it is cold and wet. Markus and I are in SD's Cobo's follow car. The conditions don't seem to slow him down much. He's kept a clean form through 20km and just keeps turning 'em over, flattening the rolling course. He just stopped the first time check for 24.20, top ten fast. He's now pinning through the small town after...it turns out that this is a superfast time...we'll see, the weather is turning and most of the spray is coming off the road onto our cameras now.

Well he's caught Triki Beltran - got it on video...- and is still on the rivet, which is driving our hosts David and Sabino nuts in here. WeKre in the descent before the cat 4 and it's cat and mouse between Cobo and the Liquigas veteran. Cobo wins out and we get the pass too.

Astana's Vino's just posted a blazing time at the first time check, so we'll see where we land, but Cobo's riding a fine race, no matter.

Heading under the 10 to go he's touching 67km/hr.

The final 2km's were nuts in the car as Cobo kept the pressure on the gas. I don't speak much Spanish, but it's clear these guys are pumped - Markus through some triple "Venga's" for good measure. His time will be in the 1:09's. Excellent!

A nice moment in this inaugeral Tour de Force. Thanks Cobo and Mauro for letting us along for the ride.

Alex & Markus