So far, so good for Danny on the Mitchelton wagon
HE’S been part of a Tour de France triumph or two and now his hands and eyes are firmly fixed on the ‘Giro’.
Guernsey-based physio Danny Guillemette is charged with getting the maximum out of the legs currently leading the first of the season’s Grand Tours, which is fast approaching the end of week two.
Britain’s Simon Yates has enjoyed an outstanding start to the Giro and Guillemette, who in the off season can occasionally be seen in the dugout at Guernsey FC games, is lapping it up having moved to the Australian Mitchelton-Scott team after several years with Team Sky.
‘It is my first Grand Tour with the new team, and there are certainly some similarities but also differences in culture compared to my experiences with Team Sky,’ he said from Italy.
‘My main role within the team is to apply my experience and knowledge, especially around athlete management during a Grand Tour.
‘We have a very strong team here, with everyone contributing to a positive environment, which is reflected in the daily team posting on social media.’
The Guernseyman is counting no chickens, but is clearly impressed with Yates.
‘Simon is an impressive athlete and his attitude reminds me of Bradley Wiggins in 2012, especially on Sunday’s stage, which he won, coming over the race radio saying “my legs feel good... send Jack Haig up to help” and yesterday [Wednesday] taking bonus seconds during the race.
‘Unfortunately Tuesday wasn’t a great day for Esteban [Chavez], losing so much time, as other teams took advantage. As always in sport, there is little time to dwell on what happened, and Simon’s victory yesterday into Osimo was the perfect way to respond to our rivals.’
Guillemette is certainly doing his bit and revelling in it.
‘There are still 11 days left of racing, with some very hard mountain finishes, and the time trial next Tuesday, but the team are in a great position so far, and I’m responsible for ensuring those “legs” are feeling good and the rest of the team stay healthy.
‘With a bit of luck – which you certainly need in a Grand Tour – hopefully we will end up successful when we arrive at the finish in Rome.’
