Lauren Tamayo trains at the UCI World Cycling Center- Aigle Switzerland

Feb 15-25th, 2010

This past week I had the opportunity to travel to the UCI World Cycling Center, in Aigle, Switzerland. After some crazy travel, delayed and missed flights I ended up arriving in Switzerland about 5 hours after my scheduled arrival. I was greeted at the airport by someone from the center, and after a gorgeous drive we arrive. Before the trip started I had no idea what to expect about any of the experience really. I was greeted by some very friendly UCI employees who do an amazing job keeping the Center running in amazing order. I was handed a set of keys, which I later figured out each corresponded to my townie bike, my cage at the track for equipment storage, and for my locker in the locker room. After getting the lay of the land at the track, Ben Sharp met me and we road our townies to where we would be staying for the week. Once you figured out the routine of the Center it was so organized and easy to follow. Nothing was ever out of place.

Our mornings usually consisted of eating breakfast at the dorms, then packing up and heading to the track for a morning roller session. Lunch and dinners were served at the track in the La Velodrome Cafe, so after the morning session we would clean up and then grab some lunch before our afternoon track session. Our scheduled track training was from 2-4pm everyday and we took advantage of every minute on the track. At first it took a bit to get adjusted to the track. This track was unique in distance- 200 meters around and it always seemed to be a little chilly inside. But after a few sessions it now seems like a normal track. That extra 50 meters can make a big difference, but it was definitely fun figuring out how to ride it. We had some great training days both inside and out. I only wish it would have been a little warmer to take advantage of all the beautiful roads that the area had to offer. It seemed there were endless bike routes. In general it was an amazing facility to train at, every detail was thought of for you. We just had to show up ready to hurt and get in some good work. What more could you really ask for when it comes to the training and focus you need to be a top level athlete.
~Lauren