David Millar: Going pro, again

David Millar knows a thing or two about being a professional cyclist. He was one for 18 years. But that chapter in his life ended 10 years ago. Or did it? Now as Factor Bikes’ new Brand Director, David has a chance to rekindle that kind of closeness to a cycling team.

Joining Factor-sponsored IPT at their recent training camp in Altea, Spain, David had the chance to remind himself just what makes these early season training camps so special, and so hard. And he didn’t need to bring his own soy sauce after all.

Watch the video and read the blog below to see how an old pro can still put in a pretty solid performance.

My new role at Factor as Brand Director has allowed me to step back over the barriers and be part of a professional cycling team again.

My media role these past years has allowed me to get close rather than personal. Factor’s support of teams and riders allows me to be treated as an insider whereas I’d begun to feel more of an outsider. Being a former professional cyclist is a strange thing. It becomes our identity; we live in our bubble, a band of brothers and sisters who find it difficult to explain to people what we do or what it’s like. We have an unspoken bond that puts us at ease amongst each other, yet the moment we leave the scene we are left behind. It’s never truly the same, being around a racing team can be quite uncomfortable, we feel like we’re one of them, but we no longer are.

Diving in at the deep end

Being part of Factor changes that; we are trusted to deliver them the bikes that allow them to be the best they can be. It’s a huge responsibility, and one the riders and mechanics know we take very seriously, that trust in Factor allows me to be let back in. Which is quite surreal. I decided to make the most of it after visiting the winter base camp in December where I got to know the team. I was encouraged to join the pre-season training camp near Valencia in southern Spain. I may have gotten carried away, as I decided to abuse my newfound confidence of being back with the “boys” and join them on a ride.

It happened to be one of the longest and hardest days of the camp, I had illusions of maybe going the distance. That didn’t happen.

I borrowed a team issue Factor O2 VAM for the ride. It’s the lightest bike we make and the most responsive and fun road bike I’ve ever ridden. I figured if I was going to avoid early embarrassment on the climbs and descents I’d need it. I packed my Black Inc Mini Pump and Multi-Tool in case (when) I was dropped far from home I’d be able to look after myself. Equipment-wise I was as prepared as I could be, physically, less so.

Right on time

The first thing I noticed was how punctual all the riders were, everyone was ready to go before the 9:30 am departure time, back in my day there was always faffing, much to my annoyance. Secondly, the silence struck me, there was no banter, no idle chit-chat. There was a sense of business time, either I’d forgotten this or it symbolises how much more professional the sport has become. I guess that was what struck me most, these guys were at work, and they are professionals. Being on the bike with them allowed me to recognise that no matter what I felt, I was no longer one of them.

It didn’t stop me enjoying myself. I rode with Chris Froome and chatted with him about life, the universe, and everything. Witnessed Jacob Fuglsang and Alexey Lutsenko ride off the front to do intervals on Coll de Rates at a pace unimaginable to me now. Got to feel what it’s like to ride at a relentlessly consistent high pace in tight formation. Be reminded that I’m not an amazing descender, and that actually, all professionals are fast.

Caught up in a cycling fantasy league

After 45 km I decided discretion was the better part of valour and made a U-turn for home. I bumped into Lizzie Deignan, Ellen van Dijk, and Matt Holmes on the way back. It all added to the strangeness of the day, it felt like I was in a professional cycling video game, the roads were filled with so many teams, so many recognisable riders.

For a little bit I got to feel like one of them again, well sort of, at least the bike was pro.

Tools of the trade

One thing that sets every cyclist apart from the pros on their training camps is the need to be self-sufficient since most of us don’t have support vehicles following us on our rides. David knew he might be spending a portion of his ride alone, which is why he made sure to take the new Black Inc Multi-Tool and Mini Pump. Luckily, he didn’t need to use them, but sometimes mechanicals are unavoidable, which is why it’s important to be prepared with the Black Inc Multi-Tool and Black Inc Mini Pump in your back pocket.

O2 VAM

As one of the lightest bikes in the peloton that still offers ample aerodynamic advantages, the O2 VAM proves to be the ideal option for riders looking to maximize performance on all terrains. It is the definitive aero climbing bike.

Learn more about David Millar's choice: O2 VAM

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