Elizabeth Kreutz

Lance Armstrong - Comeback 2.0: Training Camp - Tenerife

The Astana Cycling team held their December training camp in Tenerife Spain in the Canary Islands and stayed in the beautiful Las Madrigures hotel www.hotellasmadrigueras.com Not a bad view from my room...not bad at all!
   
The guys get ready for their first training ride together...Kloden trying to duck out of the photo is my favorite part of the photo.
   
Lance and Johan talking strategy
     
  
The guys suit up for a team building surfing lesson
   
Almost everyone gave it a try...
   
Lance was the pro...Vaitkus, Kloden, Yates caught waves and I think I saw Popo vertical once..Much harder than it looks and the water was very cold!
     
  
Levi recounts how he rode a killer wave, but no one saw it...Actually I think the Texas Crew dd get it on tape...I was distracted by the stunning sunset and only saw the aftermath.
   
Lance gets ready to take a call from the AP confirming that he will compete in the 2009 Tour de France while Ritchie works on his legs.
   
Margie with Nike shows Lance some new styles
     
  
Lance gets mobbed by reporters outside the hotel, while Chechu enjoys an uninterupted, less hectic walk to the garage.
   
Lance and Johan look at the route for the day
   
Always looking for something different...I found a cave to shoot in. I was worried about who knows what type of animals might be hiding in there.
     
  
Lance and Levi push the pace at the front
   
More little caves...interesting terrain.
   
Lance will train in the LIVESTRONG jersey all year.
     
  
I'm always looking for intersting land marks...I love to shoot churches, but there weren't many in Tenerife.
   
Andres celebrates his sprint finish...There must have been a city limit sign....or he was working it for the camera.
   
Lance gets ready for his press conference.
     
  
Lance and Alberto take questions at the press conference and declare that Astana will be tough to beat.
   
Hundreds of media came from near and far for the press conference. There was not enough room at the hotel, so the press conference was held at the golf course next door.
   
Lance, Alberto, Johan and Public Relations Director Philippe take questions during the press conference.
     
  
Andres, Lance and Alberto pose for the media.
   
Can you tell it's media day? The chaos has begun.
   
There's one shot all of the photographers needed and wanted....Lance and Alberto riding together.
     
  
Lance and Alberto rode out front so the media could get the shot. The team chose a highway with multiple lanes for passing, but needless to say it was a little crazy at times. We only rode like this for the first part of the ride and then did pass-bys...everyone worked well together and we all got our shots.
   
Breathtaking views in Tenerife
   
Climbing towards the clouds
     
  
This is December training?
   
Lance looks strong up the climb and is closely followed by Jani
   
The guys start the climb together
     
  
Soon Lance, Levi and Jani breakaway from the group and man is it steeeeeep!
   
Lance, Levi and Jani still looking strong almost at the top of the climb.
   
Jesus "Sweet Baby Jesus" attacks into the clouds...How old is that kid? He looks 17, but his DL says 27...With that baby face, I'm not sure I believe it.
     
  
The guys take a break at the top and enjoy the view
   
Photo please!
   
Jean Luca works on Lance...He is amazing and such a kind man. I'm going to have him teach me some Italian.
     
  
Jean Luca working his magic
   
Lance and Johan having a "serious" meeting.
   
Lance and Jani are always first to breakfast
     
  
Lance and Steve out front enjoying the day.
  
King of the Mountain
   
"Take a photo with my phone so I can twitter this!"
     
  
The guys ride through Las Canadas National Park which is home to the worlds third highest volcano - Mount Teide.
   
Las Canadas National Park has huge eerie lava formations. Movies Star Wars and Planet of the Apes among others were filmed here.
   
The guys leaving the park
     
  
Descending through the clouds
   
Julien adjusts Lance's seat
   
Time to pack
     
  
Ready for the plane trip to Madrid with Johan
   
Until next time...