February 15, 2007

What is the biggest difference riding in different countries like the US, Spain or Argentina?

Carlos Sastre: For me the biggest difference is cultural. Some of the Northern European countries like Denmark, Holland, and Belgium, they have a strong cycling culture. In Spain, we have a little bit of a cycling culture, but not the infrastructure they have in Holland or Denmark. There, everything is more laid out for bicycling and that reflects on the mentality of the drivers as well.

Here in the US, on calm roads it is ok, but there are some crazy drivers out there! I have to say though, I did a 5 hour ride by myself the other day and I had no problem at all.

What about Argentina?

Juan José Haedo: It’s hard to say, because here, we ride with 30 guys and a follow car. So people get irritated as they can’t get around as easily as if it’s only one guy. In Argentina, as Carlos pointed out, there is no cycling culture, so if there is a group riding people think: “What the hell are they doing here and why aren’t they riding all the way on the right”.

What do you think is a common mistake inexperienced cyclists make?

CS: They don’t pay attention. When you ride your bike you have to be concentrated. Some cyclists are going all over the road and that’s when it gets dangerous. When you are a professional cyclist you try to take care of yourself. It’s your work and your life. That’s why I try to be very focused when I am out in traffic.

From a car-bike perspective, sometimes it’s difficult, as car drivers have a different mentality. Bikes are slower and they don’t have a motor. And car drivers are impatient - but at the end of the day, it’ll only be a minute difference…

What do you think could be done?

I think we need to start with kids in the school. Educate them early. So start creating a bicycle culture early and set a tone for the future. We also have to emphasize the positive aspects like cleaner air. But yes, I think it’s really important to work on the basis.

In Spain there were a few fatalities of professionals over the years, like Antonio Martin or Ricardo Ochoa. Has anything on the government level been done to increase awareness?

Not really. Some cities have now bike lanes, but it’s just a line and it can be crossed, so it really doesn’t add to safety. But also in the bigger cities people have the car or motorbike mentality and they don’t use their bikes to get to work.

What is your goal for the Tour of California (note: Sastre is not riding it)?

JH: I try to win one stage. That would be good for the team.

Thanks and good luck for the season!