Fred+Fred=Floyd

By Tim Maloney, European Editor in Mulhouse

With the reorganization of its team earlier this year, Team Phonak gained a few new faces in the staff. Long time pro mechanic Fred Bessy came over from CSC, while super-experienced soigneur Freddy Viane (Motorola, Cofidis, USPS) made the move from US Postal. For Bessy, it was his first time working with American Floyd Landis and he found a good vibe with Landis. "Floyd an excellent guy. He's usually really calm and professional and has a good sense of humour."

As for his material choice, Bessy says that Landis likes light material. "Floyd has one of our new BMC carbon fibre bikes and he loves it...he's easy on material."

Viane made the move to Phonak with Floyd and told Cyclingnews, "Phonak has a good structure with the new management and this year, I see Floyd very relaxed. Plus he is in the best form of his life!"

For his part, Landis echoes the affection from his wrench and go-to guy Viane. "Ha! Those guys are great", chortled Floyd.