The concept is already in use in Formula 1 but will the new Team Sky race hub mean the public gets even less access to riders? Team Sky is to trial the very impressive race hub at the Vuelta. It is mobile and will be taken from stage to stage.
Team Sky race hub launched for Vuelta trial
Team Sky has unveiled a new Formula 1-style race hub that it will launch at the Vuelta.
The structure, which expands from the back of a truck, is effectively a mini race HQ for the team. It will be used on each stage.
Riders, staff and guests can meet there and have privacy away from the media and fans.
While the Team Sky race hub undoubtedly looks impressive, it is likely to raise concerns about riders becoming increasingly separated from the public.
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And here's how the Team Sky Race Hub takes shape! ⏱ pic.twitter.com/ZZbSNv5NJf
— Team Sky ? (@TeamSky) August 16, 2017
In previous years Team Sky used screens to block the public’s view of its riders and staff.
The negative reaction resulted in the concept being abandoned. But the new race hub appears to take that separation of the team several steps further.
The team says the Vuelta will be used to trial the race hub.
It added it would be used to “provide a new flexible space for riders and staff” for “communal eating, team briefings and pre and post-race relaxation”.
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The British WorldTour outfit also said it could be used for guest hospitality and the media.
However, given the team’s worsening relationship with the media it remains to be seen how many journalists will work or hang out there.
The Team Sky race hub includes a place to cook and eat together. Once up the stairs the rest of the race carnival - including the media - will be shut out.
Team principal Dave Brailsford said Team Sky hoped the race hub would help ease the demands on its staff during Grand Tours.
"The nature of our sport inevitably involves thousands of kilometres of racing,” he said.
“(There is also) constant travel between stages, ever-changing hotel accommodation and long hours.
“We know how much all our people give to the team and the sacrifices they make.
“As a result we have become increasingly focused over the past year on the need to provide our staff with an environment where we can look after them even better.
“(The race hub is) a space where they can relax more easily, eat and be briefed together.
“Rest and recovery are obviously every bit as important as training for performance."
A bad move for the sport or a necessary haven for tired bike riders? Let us know what you think.
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