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| The many facets of Bernhard Eisel |
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By Sarah Staber  Currently riding in the 2010 Tour de France, HTC - Columbia's Bernhard Eisel is just where he wants to be. La Grande Boucle is his primary goal each season and Eisel's vast experience at the Tour as well as his stellar performance during the Classics this year guaranteed him a spot on this year's team.One of the strong members of the lead out train for Mark Cavendish, Bernie also has his own moments of glory. This year he has already shone brightly at Gent Wevelgem, coming over the finish line two bike lengths ahead of the podium second. A sensational win for Eisel who admitted, "I don't really like the race because it is between Flanders and Roubaix so the timing is bad. It was also horrible weather this year and the race director kept yelling to 'move up, move up'. That coupled with the state of war feeling the Belgians have for the race - doing anything to win - it was a tense ride. But in the end it is just a bike race and I had the goods to win it this year. It was a fantastic day for me." He smiled.
But being a team player is one of Eisel's strong points and a reason why he is such a valued member of the HTC-Columbia team. George Hincapie, who rode with Eisel for two years at Columbia before his switch to BMC Racing commented on his past team mate: "Bernie positions himself so well and will do anything for his team. In that respect he's one of the best teammates I've ever had." Kudos from such a respected member of the peloton is kudos indeed!
"I live for the Tour," Bernie once commented. Though however prestigious the Tour is, many fans and viewers don't realize how hard those three weeks are for the riders. Hearing stories of the pain and agony they must endure during the three weeks makes one wonder why they do it. In 2008, for example, Bernie rode almost 2 weeks with two broken vertebrae. Eisel managed to make it to Paris with the help of his fighting spirit and relentless determination: two characteristics that earn him the respect of his team. "He's really, really tough," admired Hincapie.
Eisel revealed that what kept him going during the 2008 'Tour of Pain' was a mantra put into his head by Marc Maddiot, the boss of Eisel's former team, Francaise des Jeux. "Maddiot brought me to my first Tour and told me, 'You NEVER give up at the Tour de France. Whatever happens, whatever you do, you finish.' I have to thank Marc for teaching me that. When things get tough, I think of that and just keep going." Eisel said.
Although Eisel takes his job seriously, his sense of Dolce Vita and ability to laugh at himself make it pleasurable to be in his presence. "Everybody likes Bernie," explained Hincapie. "He speaks 5 languages and is one of the most popular riders in the bunch. He is always joking and is great fun to be around."
A native of Austria, Eisel can sometimes be found training on the island of Mallorca during the winter months. If snow or cold, foggy weather prevent him riding the roads and mountains close to his home in Klagenfurt, Bernie has been known to hop a plane to Mallorca and spend a few weeks before Christmas getting back into shape for the upcoming season. The mild weather and varied terrain of Mallorca makes it the ideal training ground for all cyclists. In fact, HTC - Columbia often holds camps on the island as well.
Here are a few little known facts about Bernhard Eisel which you don't really need to know … but will enjoy reading none the less.
Six fun facts about Bernie
Reactions when the Austrian speaks English:
Most people are amazed and many end up laughing. At Française des Jeux some of Bernie's best mates were Australian. He picked up their accent and now can pass easily as an Aussie himself. When Kiwi Greg Henderson first met Eisel during the Triple Crown race in the States 3 years ago he did a double take. Bernie says, "I have to tell everyone, 'No I'm from Austria, not Australia. We have a lot of snow and no kangaroos!"
Bernie's most embarrassing moment on a bike
This occurred at the Veulta a Cuba in 2002 when Eisel was riding for Quick Step Mapei. He was in a 2-man breakaway and was in front for the final 200 meters. Bernie started enjoying the victory at the 40-meter mark and then, while busy basking in the glory, got passed by his breakaway partner at the one-meter mark. "I just thought, 'Good job, Bernie!'"
The weirdest crash Eisel was involved in?
In 2003, Bernie was competing at Kuume Brussel Kuume. Bernie's brake pads were gone and he was steering himself into a feed zone to change bikes. A motorcycle cop was riding next to him; blocking his view on one side. Eisel didn't see that Christophe Angnolutto was on the other side about to take a wee. Eisel couldn't stop and crashed right into Angnolutto as he was doing his business. Both were hurt, but Angnolutto was out for a few weeks. "Talk about weird situations. I know couldn't have done anything about it, but I still feel really bad about that one!"
What does Bernie treasure most?
His cycling shoes are holy. Anything else Eisel wouldn't mind borrowing, but without his shoes Bernie would be lost. The shoes even travel next to him on the plane. "Though, come to think of it, I don't think I'd like to borrow anyone else's used cycling shorts…and I am certain they wouldn't want to borrow mine either!"
A secret that keeps Eisel going on the bike?
With languages not being a problem, sunny boy Eisel likes to chat to other riders during long hauls, something viewers often see on TV. "Maybe some of my colleagues think I am pretty annoying at times, but just riding my bike is boring - I like to chat!"
Did Bernie ever want to throw in the towel?
In July, 2000 Eisel was in training when his fork broke and he landed flat on his face. His nose was broken in two places, he lost three teeth, his face was so swollen he looked like he weighed 120 kilos and his tongue was so swollen he couldn't talk and could only eat ice cream. He had his girlfriend get him applications for the university as he had decided he wasn't going to get on his bike again. "But, the Tour de France was on TV. Lance, the crowds and the battle motivated me to stick with it. I made the right choice. Thanks, Lance!!"
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07/7/2010 Photo : copyright Sarah Staber : Eisel relaxing at home between races - There is always time for a little dolce Vita |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 February 2012 09:38 |
