Rudy Bergmans has seen it all.
A professional soigneur since 1965, the well-travelled Dutchman is a veritable encyclopedia of all things cycling. Having worked with cyclists spanning multiple generations and on such super-teams as PDM, Bergman’s knowledge of the sport and rider-care is perhaps unrivalled, especially given the progression of equipment, training techniques and even management structure over time.
Having cared for the likes of Bernard Thevenet, Sean Kelly and Raul Alcala, Bergmans has worked with Dutch mountain biking legend Bart Brentjens since the early 2000s. A regular visitor to South Africa since the inception of this partnership, Bergmans was back in the Western Cape recently for the ABSA Cape Epic. Accompanying Brentjens and a large contingent of Dutch riders for the eight-day trek around the Western Cape, his job entailed taking specific care of the Atlanta gold medallist and teammate Abraao Azevedo in their quest for the prestigious and highly competitive Masters title.
A soigneur’s day is long. Up long before dawn and busy late into the night, a certain type of personality is required for a profession that encompasses a multitude of functions. Be it cooking or massage; cleaning or preparing bidons: perhaps the most important quality is that of personal connection. Connection in a sense of the carer-rider relationship, where compassion and a sympathetic ear are critical to rider morale and thus attaining good results. Building solid relationships go a long way in this game and it is the little things that count. Bergmans certainly epitomises these qualities and his recent African soujourn was no exception.
With the Azevedo’s English vocabulary being somewhat limited, one might assume that communication would be an issue between rider and staff. Not so for Bergmans whose rapport with the diminutive Brazilian was evident throughout. The odd Spanish phrase intertwined with basic English saw a great partnership develop based on camaraderie and mutual respect. Azevedo’s preference of tented accommodation in close proximity to the mobile home was to the fore of Bergman’s priorities, something which he understands is critical to the rider’s morale. The little things really do count.
Many great coaches and trainers have highly developed sense of instinct, and soigneurs are no different. Things like body language and physiological make-up are but two attributes of this sixth sense. Bergmans can pick a rider out in a crowd, even if they are long-since retired.
Whilst on holiday in the Spanish town of Calpe, Bergmans told his brother that Sean Kelly was walking in front of them. Given that the Irish legend was allegedly a few hundred metres away with his back turned, and that Bergmans and Kelly had not seen each other for several years, it is perhaps understandable that this statement was a longshot. Pulling up alongside the promenade walkway in their car, Bergmans called out to the former PDM rider, the two exchanging the heartiest of greetings and agreeing to meet at a local coffee shop the next day.
Times have changed in sports therapy and Bergmans knows this. Having come from the old school, he practises what he terms “Classic Massage,” where long effleurage and kneading protocol are prevalent. Many riders from eras past preferred the relaxing strokes of this Swedish derivative, eschewing the harder trigger point style of today. Not that this matters to Bergmans who is quite happy to refer a rider to another therapist should some deeper work be required. It is all about the individual, and a generic approach to most things, massage included, does not necessarily cultivate rider confidence.
After a week in the Southern African sun, Bergmans returns to the Netherlands this week to resume his duties with the BETCH.nl Superior Brentjens MTB Racing Team. With the UCI MTB World Cup beginning a little later this year, a little rest and recovery are no doubt on the cards after his exertions in the Rainbow Nation. After all, the key to being a good soigneur is to have a good rest.
When you can, of course.
