Danny De Bie Interview

Jealously we looked on as Ian Cleverly rode with World Champions, nonetheless we were very happy to be talking to cross legend Danny De Bie, manager of the Fidea Cyclo Cross team.

Danny manages one of the most successful teams in the World and one that gets huge attention not just in Belgium, but also across the globe featuring top riders such as Bart Wellens and Erwin Vervecken.

Danny is a living legend in cyclo cross and he was THE king of the 'bunny hop', legend has it that the UCI gave up raising the height of hurdles as he would jump them anyway. His CV contains a World Championship in 1989, many Belgian titles, 12 Super Prestige wins and a huge number of race wins. Since he turned to team management he has enjoyed more success.

What's the training schedule for the year?
Danny: "From February to March you rest, ride a few stage races in the summer and then in August you go hard with running and riding in the woods for technique, but not too much running - we're not runners." "In 2007 the team rode a number of stage race races in Spain and China, in fact China was a nice race with a good course."

What are the three most important things to being a cyclo-crosser?
Danny: "Train - that's the most important, find your limits, listen, ride with your eyes and ears open.

What is your favourite event?
Danny: When I won the world champs in France 1989.

What do you look for in a rider or when someone wants to join the team?
Danny: "I look for someone who works hard for a good team. I look to see how a rider has interacted with their previous team, whether it be pro or club. During the season I will talk to riders and build a feeling about them."

What changes have you seen in the ten years since you retired?
Danny: "They get more money than me. There is greater TV coverage and the sport is bigger and growing, but has slipped in places such Switzerland."

How long has the Fidea team been going?
Danny: "I have been the full time manager of the Fidea squad for Four years and before that the Sparkasse team.

Who's your greatest hero?
Danny: "Roger De Vlaeminck, a rider who combined cross and road racing at the highest level" (He has a bike shop now)

Do you have a philosophy for the team?
Danny: "I like to keep it friendly. If a ride wins they have to buy the rest of the team cake, these small but important points can make or break a team."

Thanks
Thanks to Jan at Ridley for his help and the whole squad for being such decent blokes - welcoming and bloody fast!

Websites
Fidea - http://www.fideacyclingteam.be
Ridley - See Bart's bike feature