Katusha season start

Russia’s team Katusha is in Desenzano, Italy, this week for an informal meeting ahead of the 2010 season. It is a chance for the new riders and staff to get to know one another, according to Director Sportif Serge Parsani

“The riders are not even going out on rides,” Parsani told us. “For example, the riders played a game of football yesterday.”

The complete 2010 team is in Desenzano, along Lago di Garda, including new signees Kim Kirchen and Joaquím Rodríguez.

“We are taking photos for next year, performing tests, talking about next year’s race schedules and handing out clothing,” continued Parsani.

The camp started Monday and ends tomorrow.

Katusha will begin its 2010 season at the Tour Down Under 2010, January 19 to 24. It will meet again for another training camp, likely in southern Italy, at the start of the year.