Beer in the bidons: Roompot riders show us a different side to training camps (video)

Dutch team Roompot Oranje Peloton may be a professional team, but that doesn't mean their riders have to act professionally all year round

Think professional cycling training camps and you'll likely envision riders relentlessly slogging up and down the same hills, high speed chaingangs and a diet so strict that the hotel vending machines are removed.

But Dutch Pro Continental team Roompot Oranje Peloton have released a humorous video with their riders showing a slightly different type of training camp.

>>> On-bike footage from the Etixx Quick-Step training camp (video)

Firstly, let me just say, the video is completely in Dutch and I don't speak Dutch, so I have no idea what any of the people are saying. But it looks like they are interviewing a directeur sportif, who's probably giving a spiel about how his riders are well disciplined in camp.

As soon as the DS's back is turned, though, the riders are off up to all sorts of shenanigans - heading to the swimming pool rather than follow the team car on a ride, filling up bidons with beer from the bar and gobbling down beef burgers rather than the rabbit food on offer from the riders' menu.

>>> This is what happens if you try to eat a Tour de France rider’s diet in one sitting

Needless to say, the Roompot boys will likely be taking their training a little more seriously than this in reality, with the new season fast approaching.

 

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.