There’s a new team bus in town.
Omega Pharma-QuickStep have taken delivery of a team bus which rivals that of Team Sky as the most high-tech vehicle in the WorldTour fleet. Open the gallery above for a tour of the bus.
The bus, which is 13.20 metres long, is being used for the first time at this week’s Eneco Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Inside there are nine reclineable seats – one for each rider at a Grand Tour – and each has a drawer for personal belongings, a small table and electricity. Behind each seat there is another drawer for a rider to store their helmet, shoes and other equipment.
At the front of the bus there are seats for the directeur sportifs, guests and the driver. Dirk Clarysse describes it as an “honour” to be able to drive the new bus for the rest of the season.
The bus also has two beds, so riders can sleep or rest while waiting for a time trial, or during a long transfer. There is also a kitchen, with a large fridge, food preparation area and, of course, a coffee machine, as well as two showers and satellite television. A large projector screen at the front of the bus – which can also be used by directeur sportifs for presentations before the day’s racing – and individual screens for each rider ensure everyone has a good view.
The bus, which is said to be environmentally friendly, also has batteries to provide up to eight hours of electricity without the need for a generator.
“It’s really a technologically advanced team bus that makes our team even better,” said Clarysse. “I was waiting for this bus. I am happy now.
“After Eneco Tour I will do two races here in Belgium, and the bus will join the Vuelta in the second week until the end. Then I will drive straight to Italy for the World Championships.
“It will be nice for me to have the honour to drive this bus through Europe until the end of the season.”
