CALLING THE SHOTS

If anyone knows what it takes to be a successful road captain, it’s LUKE ROWE, who was one of the best in the business. He shares his career lessons with Rob Kemp

- Rob Kemp

Everyone has a story worth telling

Originally, when I was approached about doing a book, the first thing that came to mind was an autobiography. But I wasn’t keen on that - it didn’t sit right with me. A book like that is for the superstars of the sport, and while I achieved a decent career, I didn’t feel it was my place to do a standard autobiography. So, we thought about a different approach and settled ona book about road captaincy, my take on the intricacies of the pro peloton, the highs and lows along the way - it’s been a hell of aride.

Being road captain isn't what you think

Fans, and even people within the sport, think they know about the role of a road captain, but few fully understand what it entails. It’s not just about giving orders on the road - it’s a mix of leadership, strategy and support, both on and off the bike. The book is designed to give a real insight into what a road captain does, day to day.

We have to predict the future

The definition of a road captain? Ina few key words: selfless, committed and strategic. Riders often focus on the moment - the next 30 seconds, a minute, or two minutes ahead. My job was to zoom out and see the bigger picture. What’s going to happen in the race in an hour, two hours, or even the next day? How will this play into the Tour de France in three weeks’ time? It was up to me to constantly analyse and make decisions based on the long game.

Thinking for now, thinking for later