Cannondale Chairside Chats: Maciej Bodnar (part three)

Okay, so we’ve talked about Maciej’s role on the team, his ability in team time-trials, his view of G4  sportswear and now we tackle his favourite races. Meeting with Maciej Bodnar

G4: How do you maintain your slim physique? Polish food is delicious and hearty but not slimming.

MB: I’m lucky I’m not a climber so I don’t have to worry too much but I’ve never had any real problems with my weight. Maybe an extra 2-3 kilos in winter but that’s all. Also when we talk about our diet with the team doctors, they advise us on our body fat percentages, and tell us that to finish strongly in the Classics you to have to some body-fat.

Thank you to all my fans for the congrats. Yesterday I felt in heaven… Well, happens rarerly, but it was so beautiful!!!

— Maciej Bodnar (@maciejbodnar) 4 Avril 2014

When I did Paris-Roubaix for the first time my hands were so painful afterwards, covered in blisters. I was told to relax my hands on the bars and the following year it was much better. The natural inclination is to grip too strongly but you shouldn’t and if you relax it’s so much better. Of course, it’s the same for your whole body. When you ride over cobbles and the Strade Bianche, even though your inclination is maybe to go slower, you need to ride quickly but also relaxed to have equilibrium with your body. Knowing about such things makes a big difference, especially for the youngsters on the team.

G4: I think I know the answer to this question but what are your favourite races and why?

MB: I love the big races, the monuments such as Ronde van Vlaanderen. It’s such a beautiful race and it’s always a big talking point. I love the hills, the spectators – it’s one big party the whole length of the race. I also like Paris-Roubaix. Again the atmosphere is fantastic and when you arrive in the velodrome, it’s something special. You don’t feel any pain when you have so much fantastic support.

I generally take a break after the Classics then I enjoy riding in California, the Dauphine and the Tour de France which, for me, is the best of the grand tours. I’m tall and heavy and unsuited to the long steep climbs in the Giro and Vuelta – not looking forward to the next few days. Also, there are generally more sprinters in the Tour and a larger gruppetto to help you get over the climbs.

G4: We’ve talked about your work in the time-trials but you generally use that power to drive on the front of the peloton and provide cover in the bunch for your team leaders.

MB: Of course, that’s my job. I like riding in echelons, I much prefer them to climbs. I derive enormous satisfaction when I see riders arrive 20 minutes behind me, just like me but on the mountain days!

Thanks for your time Maciej and good luck on those hills in Asturias!

Links: Part one, part two G4 on Facebook