Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In person

Johan Bruyneel is general manager of the Astana Cycling Team (sponsored by a coalition of companies from Kazakhstan and named after its capital) and a former professional cyclist. He’s also the mastermind behind eight Tour de France victories – Lance Armstrong 1999-2005 and Alberto Contador in 2007 – all within nine years. To date, no other cycling coach has made such an impact. Bruyneel, 44, spoke to us from his company’s headquarters in Madrid, Spain

01 Where do you live?
In Madrid, with my Spanish wife and our four-year old daughter Victoria. I’ve been living in Spain for 15 years.

02 How many languages do you speak now?
I would probably say 5½! My Italian would support a decent conversation, but I don’t have complete control over the language. However, the five other languages – English, Dutch, French, German and Spanish – are all perfect.

03 Lance Armstrong said: “Johan Bruyneel is the first person who put my name and the Tour de France in the same sentence.” Could you or Lance ever have won if you hadn’t met each other?
That’s a difficult question. I think Lance and I were a perfect combination. If I hadn’t met Lance, I probably would not have done this job (team director), and if Lance hadn’t met me, I think he would never have focused on the Tour de France. I think we needed each other.

04 Your recently published book We Might as Well Win isn’t just about the world of cycling. Could you tell us a bit of your winning formula?
It’s more about a winning philosophy. It’s a lifestyle, an attitude. It’s not a recipe like: if you do this and that, you are going to win. Winning starts with a belief. That’s the main point I instilled in Lance, that I believed he could win the Tour de France and I could make him believe he could win.

05 Tell us a bit about the Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy that’s based in Belgium. Is it true selected riders from the Academy train during the pre-season camp with your pro team Astana?
Yes – when our schedules match up. It’s an ideal opportunity for the young riders to learn the job first hand. It’s also an incredible opportunity for them to be in an environment where they have someone to look up to. It’s motivating, challenging and an ideal interaction for all riders. For me, it’s not so much about winning bike races. We won the Tour de France eight times, the Tour of Italy twice, Tour of Spain twice. I’m now looking to other challenges, to contribute to the sport and have other people benefit from my experience. It can be very rewarding.

06 You once said: “The Tour de France is a metaphor for life.” Why did you feel you had to win at least one Tour de France without Lance Armstong behind you?
After a while Lance was so dominant in the world of cycling that I received endless comments like: “It’s easy for you!” or “Anybody could win with Lance” and “You have the strongest and the best rider in the world behind you” etc, etc. So when Lance retired, I had to prove to myself that I could win a Tour without him.

07 The Giro d’Italia (taking place in May) is seen by many as the second most important stage race in the world. What’s your and Lance Armstrong’s take on it?
Well, it’s certainly the missing link in Lance’s career. He’s never done the Giro. This will be the big motivation for him to prepare for this race. Also, the way the Italian organisers have embraced Lance’s comeback is quite impressive. However, the Giro is certainly a different race. The mountains in the Giro are apparently steeper, like the Dolomites for example. It’s not like the Alps or the Pyrenees. The Alps are very long, but not that steep. This will be something new for Lance. He’s used to the longer plains of France.

08 Which is your favourite Belgian city and why?
Belgium has so much to offer in terms of beauty, architecture, culture and people that it’s really hard to pick a favorite. We have everything, from the big cities of Brussels and Antwerp to historic towns like Ghent, Kortrijk and Bruges. Everywhere I go, I enjoy my time and appreciate the uniqueness of each area.

09 Where in Europe should a cycling fan go to see the best professional racing?
I don’t think you have to go very far! Belgium is home to some of the hardest and most prestigious races, one of which is the Tour of Flanders. But I also love the Grand Tour races in Italy, Spain and France, and fans are guaranteed a chance of seeing the world’s stars battle for glory. Being on the summit during a mountaintop finish is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s also special when the riders cycle through some of the big cities. There are always great crowds in Paris, Madrid and Milan – the usual cities hosting the finales of the Grand Tours.

10 What are your goals for the next 5 years?
I’m proud of my book. It’s nice to look back on what you’ve accomplished – maybe I’ll do a second book. I would also like to stay involved with the Bruyneel Cycling Academy but, more importantly, to spend as much time as possible with my family.

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