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If you are a cycling fan, you know Johan Bruyneel. He has achieved tremendous results as a cyclist and his success continued when he became a sports director. He has produced an astonishing eight Tour de France wins with US Postal (Sir Lance from 1999-2005 and with Astana with Alberto Contador in 2007. We were excited (to say the least) when we gained the opportunity to chat with him.
Johan Bruyneel - the million dollar smile
Cyclingnewsasia (CNA): What’s your greatest racing memory?
Johan Bruyneel (JB): To this day, my favorite racing memory remains winning a stage in the 1993 Tour de France. To win a stage in any race, let alone a stage at the Tour is any rider's dream, however it was extra special because I won it shortly after my father passed away. After his sudden death, I didn't think I would be able to race my first Tour as I was quite an emotional mess. Once I decided to race, I wanted so desperately to win a stage in his honor, the man who helped me find my passion and more importantly, my role model in life. Of course wanting and doing are two different things, but I had the focus, determination and strategy to pull it off. Plus I really believe my father was with me that day. No other day on the bike compares to that one.
CNA: What would you say is the biggest difference between riders in the 2010 Tour compared to when you wore yellow the stage finishing in Liege in 1995?
JB: Well we're still on two wheels, but technologically and training wise, there are major differences. Just compare a picture from today with one from 1995 and it seems like ancient history. Every aspect is scrutinized today. We spend countless hours in the wind tunnel and with our sponsors examining curves of the bike, helmets, clothing. It's quite amazing to see the development of these products and how our partners set the bar high and then how they continually try to set the bar higher in an effort to give our riders the best in the world. And that's why we've remained loyal to so many technical partners like Trek and Giro - they understand what's needed and are continuing to look for ways to make things better, faster, lighter and safer. And then on the training side, you're also seeing advancements - from methods and protocols that record, measure and analyze performance to a greater focus on specific training for races. Nowadays you see many riders really focus their training on one or two races per year where they want to have peak condition. Their whole schedule is based around these couple events and that's something we didn't see as much of in the past. A rider seriously contending for all three Grand Tours is nearly impossible these days since many competitors are only focusing on only one of those Grand Tours.
CNA: Looking back which do you take more satisfaction from, your cycling victories or when a team rider does well?
JB: Well I was a good rider - known more for hard work and tactical strategies. I had some memorable victories along the way, but I would have to say I get more satisfaction out of helping others. A lot of people only see the race victories or the final product, but I get to experience and influence the whole process - from the preliminary plan on paper to training rides prior to the Tour to race tactics. My job is a lot harder now than when I was a rider. Back then I was consumed with myself and whatever the team's goal was for that day. Now I'm looking after 25 plus riders and all the mechanics, soigneurs, directors, etc. It's a lot more challenging and I think the more challenging a job is, the sweeter success tastes.
Bruyneel joined Armstrong's team RadioShack as managing director in 2010
CNA: How did you get the nickname ‘The Hog’?
JB: (laughs) That's a good question. I guess when you win 9 Tours in 11 years, some people think you are hogging it from other teams. I get a good laugh from the nickname and in the end, as strange as it may sound, it's a compliment.
CNA: You retired at 34 in 1998 and then immediately dominated the Tour de France from 1999 as the manager. What is the secret sauce that you added to dominate for the next 12 years with Lance and then Alberto?
JB: Do you really expect me to tell you the secret sauce? Actually that sauce is public knowledge nowadays - It's in my book "We Might as Well Win." For your audience, it's available in Australia, Japan and I'm hoping that one day it's in China. As it relates to the book, China is my main goal because there really are some valuable lessons, not only for cyclists, but people in general. So if you or any of your readers have connections in the Chinese publishing market, please contact me via my website. But getting back to this secret sauce, as you call it. It's not specific to cycling or cyclists - It really can apply to all different areas of life - from sports to business to just life in general. Now sure you need to factor in talented riders, training and race strategy - but I really think the X factors are leadership, management, teamwork, communication, innovation, etc. I think these attributes have really separated us from our competitors.
CNA: Which was harder, starting up Postal or turning Astana around?
JB: Both were challenging, yet different types of challenges. The one nice thing about US Postal in 1999 was that there were no high expectations, so the pressure that I had was self-pressure. We weren't expected to win the Tour. Of course, I was new in the job, so like any new job, there's a steep learning curve. Now when I was brought to Team Astana, it was to instill my philosophy and change the team. I had to make something good that was in a very, very bad situation. That wasn't easy, but it's something I'm very proud of. Astana went from a hated team to one of, if not, the most beloved and popular team in all of cycling.
CNA: You recently launched a clothing collection. For someone who is focused on coaching and managing, this was quite a surprise. What made you go in this direction and is the clothing available in Asia?
JB: I think it surprised a number of people. A sports director involved in clothing? But it really started in the off-season and looking at some business ideas. Outside of team clothing, there's really not much out there in the off-the-bike market that just says "I like cycling" ,"I'm a cyclist" or "I'm a cycling fan." For me, that's important that we're promoting our sport and the activity of cycling, whether it be on the recreational, amateur or professional levels. That's one of the reasons we created the ride. collection - it's a simple word that embodies our sport, our passion on so many levels. The clothing is available on our online webshop - http://shopJBcollection.com - and they ship worldwide at reasonable costs. We'd love to get it in bike shops and other retail locations in China. That's something the store management people are continually working on.
Johan and Lance - We might as well win
CNA: Who are the biggest challengers to Lance at the Tour this year?
JB: Well certainly the biggest favorite will be Alberto - he won last year and has had a great season so far. Then you have the Schlecks, Carlos Sastre, Cadel with his new BMC Team. Don't forget Liquigas with Basso and a very strong roster. Sky is new to the scene, but Wiggins had a great Tour last year. We'll see if he can repeat his performance. But at the end of the day, Lance needs to ride his race. That doesn't mean we forget about our competitors, but it's important that we show up to the Tour with strong riders that make an even stronger unit and team. Everyone has a tendency to ask me "what about this guy?" and "what about that guy?" - Right now I'm focused on our team and making sure that come July 3rd, we're in the best possible form to battle for the Yellow Jersey. You need to have the mentality that you are going to win the Tour (or any race), not that other riders are going to lose it.
CNA: Can you describe what World Bicycle Relief does and what your role is?
JB: This is a big passion of mine and an organization that deserves more attention. The World Bicycle Relief serves to empower underprivileged individuals with bicycles in some of the poorest regions in the world. And I'm not talking about a race bike, I'm talking about the most sturdy bikes that are equipped to handle some of the hardest terrains and conditions. Through the power of the bicycle, World Bicycle Relief has significantly impacted the lives of people who have HIV and AIDS by enabling caregivers to travel to and from patient's homes and clinics. Without the bike, these caregivers may not have the chance to visit their patients and give them treatment. I've also seen workers using the bicycle to carry over 70kg of coal. Now without a bike, this wouldn't be possible - so how would that man earn a living for him and his family? And I think the most powerful story is that of school children who without a bike would have to walk hours to just get an education. I admit it's something I took for granted before - I have a daughter and every time I got in the car I never thought twice about how easy it is to take her to school. It's amazing what the bike can do for these children - more likely to finish school and get a job. Women get married later, pregnant less, have safer sex and contradict fewer sexually transmitted diseases. If we outfit all the schools in Zambia we are not only affecting individuals and their families - we're changing the entire nation - from social, health, economic standpoints. Simply amazing and I'm excited and honored to be a part of such a great organization. If there's one thing I encourage you to do - please visit http://worldbicyclerelief.org and find out ways to get involved.
CNA: Can you describe your experiences with cycling in Asia? Any plans to come out and race?
JB: Cycling is certainly becoming more and more of a global sport. It used to be the sport of Europe, but now we're seeing expansion into US, Canada, South America, Middle East, Australia and Asia. It's great that so many people are connecting with the bike. And it's not only about racing - the bike has benefits for the environment and obesity. I've had the pleasure of visiting both Japan and China. We took the Discovery Channel Team a few years ago to the Japan Cup. We had Fumy Beppu with us and we saw first hand what a rockstar he is in Japan. The atmosphere and enthusiasm were great, really electric and very encouraging for a sport that is continually expanding beyond borders. In 2008, I went to China on behalf of Nike. They were hosting an event called "Hall of Coaches", where they brought in top coaches in various sports to educate Chinese coaches. I was able to share best practices with these coaches and inform them on various techniques that they may not have been previously accustomed to. It was just prior to the Beijing Olympics so there was a lot of excitement for the sport. I think we'll see a lot more Asian cyclists coming up in the next ten or twenty years. It's an exciting time for sure and the peloton is becoming more and more international every year.
Johan Bruyneel with French President Nicolas Sarkozy
CNA: And what would be the biggest mistake you see up and coming cyclists make?
JB: Trying to do too much too quickly. Everyone wants to be the best, but there's a process. It doesn't happen overnight and I see a lot of riders become infatuated or over-consumed to the point where they hurt their career or get burned out. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were champion cyclists. It takes some time, but it's important to allow that time to happen. Just enjoy the sport, enjoy the bike and have fun. If you don't have fun, your time on the bike will be very short-lived.
CNA: Thanks Johan - we'll see you in July!
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