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Allan Davis, Liberty Seguros-Würth

2 May 2005

A Future Aussie Super-Star

 

Allan Davis has been knocking on the door the last few seasons. At just 24 years of age, Davis has stepped it up a notch in 2005 and has established himself as the man to beat. Make a note of his name because Allan Davis is the future of sprinting. BiciRace.com recently had a chat with the easy going Aussie and found out what makes him tick.
Interviewed by Paco of BiciRace.com

Australian Development

BiciRace.com:  Hello Allan. Thanks so much for giving BiciRace.com a few minutes of your time. You have had a fantastic season so far. When you were a youngster in Australia did you ever imagine that you would one day be living in Spain racing bicycles for a living?
Allan Davis:  I had always hoped of one day racing as a professional in Europe. Cycling has been a part of my family for a long time.
BR:  Australians have virtually taken over the sport of cycling in the last several years. What is Australia doing that other up and coming cycling nations are not doing?
AD:  I think the Australian development programs, both road and track, are a big part of the results everyone is seeing at the moment. I went through one of the best learning schools in the world, I feel. The AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) U23 program is set up by a group of Aussies with the help of some Italian sponsors in Italy.

BR:  Yes, we have read a lot about the AIS, other nations take note. And your bike, the current bike Liberty Seguros-Würth is using is not well known in America. Tell our BiciRace.com readers about your BH machine. How does it handle when you're bumping elbows with McEwen and Petacchi at 65 kph?
AD:  It feels fantastic. It really works for me, as it is light and very stiff. It is a complement to BH to put such a great bike together.

Manolo Saiz

BR:  Yes, the machines look fast, but you Liberty Seguros-Würth boys make them look even faster! Now, on to the man, Manolo Saiz. For not being a previous professional cyclist, he has had a hugely successful career as a director sportif. How does he manage to motivate his riders in order to realize their full potential?
AD:  Manolo gets the best out of his riders. He is a very good boss to work for. It is reassuring knowing your boss has the same passion and love for your job as you do.
BR:  Yes, Manolo is amazing. So for this year’s Worlds, the course looks especially suited to your talents. Have you set it as a major objective for the year? Is that the race you would most like to add to your palmarés?
AD:  Yes, the Worlds are very high on my list of goals for this season. I think Australia will have a good team and it would be great to add the Worlds to my palmarés. It is always a difficult race and you need some luck.

The Sprint

BR:  When you are preparing for a massive pack sprint what things do you say to yourself to get mentally ready?
AD:  Basically thinking of what tactics I feel are best to use in the sprint and trying to get in a good position.
BR:  It takes a lot of talent to get that 'good position'. Pack sprints are something that have always fascinated the writers at BiciRace.com. They’re like urban warfare! Describe for our readers just exactly how crazy they are ... the mind games, jockeying for position, high speeds ...
AD:  Every sprint is always different. There are always things going through my mind. The main thing I do is stay concentrated on the job and trying to get in the best position possible!
BR:  Again 'position'! Allan, thanks for your insight. BiciRace.com wishes you the best of luck with the rest of your season.

Be sure to follow Allan Davis via the Liberty Seguros - Würth website