VeloNation had a chance to catch up with 2009, 2010 Swiss time trial champion Rubens Bertogliati (Team Type 1-sanofi aventis) following the Amgen Tour of California's stage six yesterday. Going into the race he said the course was one that suited him well, but noted that the keys would be the wind, and the fact that the effort from the previous stage and tomorrow's climb up Mount Baldy will loom over the rider's.
VeloNation: How did the time trial go for you?
Rubens Bertogliati: There was more wind than I thought, so I do not know how I did. [ed - he finished 29th] I don't usually go well in the wind. The course was good but I think I could have finished better, but you always want to go faster in a time trial. This is normal, you just have to have to know yourself well and take the curves at a high speed that you can control.
VN: How much have you trained with the TT bike before this event?
RB: Well only a few times since the Coppi E Bartali when the bikes were stolen. The team was lucky that in our participation of Tour of Turkey that there was not a time trial. We had a great team result with Alexandr Efimkin winning there. I am really happy that we have a great supporting bike sponsor in Colnago. For sure as the season continues I will spend much more time on the TT bike so that I am prepared for the Tour de Suisse and national championship.
VN: What type of position do you try to maintain while racing on the time trial bike?
RB: The wind tunnel testing that I did early in the season really showed me how to make my position on the TT bike much faster. I think that this early season adjustment will help me as I can refine it as the season continues. I try to keep my head in with the back of the helmet close to my spine and eyes looking up at the road. And I keep my arms in narrower than I used to.
VN: What do you think will happen in tomorrow's stage?
RB: As for tomorrow I can tell you that it will be a very hard stage. There will be no where to hide as Mt. Baldy will choose the best rider of the day. I think all the teams will try for an early breakaway and control the race as much as possible.
Interview courtesy of Robert Nichols - Advanced Pro Cycling Agency