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Bessette Goes to T-MOBILE!
by Amanda Leigh Cox
November 22, 2005 – News broke today about Lyne Bessette’s new venture with the highly-ranked European pro team T-MOBILE for the 2006 season. A name familiar to many cycling fans, T-MOBILE’s men’s team boasts 2006 Tour threat Jan Ullrich, while in recent years the domestic women’s road cycling team has been a serious player on the North American racing scene.
The Knowlton, Qc resident joins a high calibre team stocked with European pro talent which will surely allow Bessette to stake her claim on the overseas racing scene with her first completely European schedule. Bessette is sure to continue to make a name for herself, adding to her previous victories in such high profile races as the Tour de l’Aude. Another talented Canadian rider, Amy Moore, will join Bessette on the T-MOBILE squad next season. Despite a packed schedule, which included a red-eye flight back from San Francisco, Bessette took some time out to answer some of Pedal’s questions.
TEAM T-MOBILE 2006
- Judith ARNDT
- Lyne BESSETTE
- Ina TEUTENBERG
- Kim BRUCKNER
- Amy Moore
Pedal: Congradulations ! To sum up; you raced the 2005 season solo in order to have control over your schedule. You raced road, cyclocross, cross-country, practically everything. You have now re-dedicated yourself to road, and with a top level team. Why the change of heart ?
LB : Essentially, I’m returning to what I’ve always done. It was last year that I wanted a change. After the Olympic Games in Athens I wanted to experience another facet of cycling. With the support of my sponsors Equibar, Louis Garneau, Energie Cardio, Mavic-Adidas and Oakley, I was able to have a lighter year without pressure.
Its been stated that T-Mobile will be your first European team experience. Considering your impressive resumé, why haven’t you been a part of a European team sooner ?
LB : Good question. I suppose one could say that the timing was never right. I always had an important place within the Saturn Team, then afterwards within Quark. Those two teams responded to my objectives, and then the Canadian National Team was there for the important European races.
What are your goals or particular focus for this season? Are there any races where you’d like to really demonstrate your abilities?
LB : This year, I’ll be taking advantage of this chance and living it to the maximum. I’d like to do well at the Commonwealth Games in March, and also the Road World Championships.
You’ve earned titles and medals in almost every cycling domain – what is next for you?
LB : The first response that comes to mind would be a World Championship rainbow jersey or an Olympic medal, but when I think about it a little longer, that isn’t really my answer. Its not the titles that are important, but rather the ensemble of what one accomplishes, and the feeling of having given everything you’ve got.
What is the biggest difference between the European circuit – in terms of races and riders - from the North American circuit?
LB : In Europe the peleton is much bigger, and more women of similar caliber can win the race. There are also different elements such as more team tactics, a faster rhythm of racing etc.
Dominique Rollin mentioned that your recommendation lead him to his start contract negotiations with Jittery Joe’s (Rollin was about to sign a pro-deal with the American-based team Jittery Joe’s when France’s VC Roubaix offered him a spot in the European amateur ranks). Are you considered a reference for Quebecois or cyclist in other parts of Canada?
LB : Its purely their successes that inspire me to make positive comments about Quebecois and Canadian riders !
In your opinion, what does it take to become a champion, whether it be in life or in sport?
LB: To succeed in sport, it takes work, perseverance, and determination as well as the support of family, friends, and coaches — and of course self-confidence. In life you need a positive attitude and a big smile!
In the current Canadian cycling scene, are there any riders that you feel have the skills and capacities to become future champions?
LB : I really like what I see in terms of this generation of young athletes and I’m convinced that among them there is a champion!
Given your current successes in 2005 will you continue to race cyclocross in 2006?
LB : I don’t know about next year’s cross season, but this year I’ll be doing some European World Cups - December 8th in Milan, December 31st in Belgium, January 15 in France, January 22 in Holland and on January 28 the World Cyclocross Championships!
All the best Lyne, good luck with T-MOBILE.
LB: Thank you.
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