Spectrum: Last week, the Bayern Rundfahrt rolled through the southernmost German Free State. Also present was the Garmin-Sharp WorldTour team, in which Benjamin Riemer, who lives in Berlin, prepares the bikes for the pros as a mechanic. We looked over his shoulder for two days.
# Ben, as everyone on the team calls him, is preparing the bikes for the race when we arrive at the team truck, Garmin-Sharp's mobile workshop.
# Before departure, all wheels are mounted on the roof of the wagons. In addition to the sport director, Ben will later be on the road in this racing service.
# So that the sponsor also comes into its own. A final polishing of the discs leaves a better impression on spectators and fans.
# Mechanics also live out of their travel bags on the go.
# During the race, Ben is busy providing the drivers with material and helping the Sport Director with noting the progress of the race.
# After the race, small things need to be repaired on the wheels.
# The Garmin Vector batteries on Raymond Kreder's bike had to be replaced.
# Then it was up to Ben and his colleague Jörg Wohlleben to prepare the time trial bikes for the upcoming battle against the clock.
# Sebastian Langeveld wanted a shorter front. This meant swinging the saw for Ben.
# Always have everything to hand. A mechanic's suitcase.
For Ben, the day before the drivers started with breakfast. Then the cars were equipped with the wheels and all other material. After the race all the bikes were washed and checked for any faults before dinner was on the agenda. A 14-hour day is not uncommon for him on the road.