Stately Start for Cynisca Training

Bike rides, champagne toasts, warm baths, therapeutic massages, polar plunge recovery and gourmet meals at a privatized, Renaissance castle. It sounds like a dream cycling holiday but was actually the start of Cynisca Cycling’s training block. Cynisca Cycling wrapped up its first week with the entire team together at their service course at the historic Château de Saint-Martory in the south of France.

One purpose of meeting at Château de Saint-Martory was to introduce the riders to the property and their service course or European base of operations. The château also offered ideal facilities to knock out some business, take team photos, complete classroom trainings and physio testing, dial in bike fits and have some fun getting to know teammates. The beautiful château setting was a bonus.

“I don’t think there are too many Continental teams who start off with a fully-catered week at a privatized château,” said Cynisca GM Chris Gutowsky. “We truly appreciate the hospitality of our partner and château owner Jean-François Deltort and his entire staff.”

Cynisca rider Grace Williams added, “We are so fortunate to be based in Saint-Martory with beautiful views of the Pyrenees mountains. Despite the near freezing temperatures, we have enjoyed our first rides together as a team. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such supportive and welcoming teammates and staff!”

It wasn’t all castles and fairytale settings. The staff worked hard preparing for the season, and the riders pushed their limits in physio and threshold testing. The riders also took some cold weather spins and tested their Mumu Apparel kits and Ventum bikes with Shimano components and Arundel and WTB accessories.

“It is overwhelming just how well supported we are,” added Williams. “Receiving our gear was like a second Christmas!”

Cynisca Cycling is also fortunate to have Discover France, the leader in self-guided bicycle tours, as a partner. Discover France offered support and staff throughout the camp and into Spain.

Next Up!

The team now heads to Alicante, Spain, for a warm weather training camp and the start of the racing season. The team’s first race will the Vuelta CV Feminas in Valencia on February 5.