Sheltered from the Wind: Gabriel Esbrit

Before joining a team like Cofidis, I worked with other organizations notably a Marseille-based team in France, but also in Spain. I’ve been working in the cycling world for about ten years now, five of which have been with Cofidis. But in reality, cycling has always been a part of my life. I was a rider myself until a crash brought my career to an end. So, you could say I’ve been involved in the sport since I was very young. Yet, I never imagined I’d end up working in cycling. It wasn’t a goal of mine.

I originally worked in IT. I had also pursued studies specifically in chiropractic with the idea of ​​doing massage work. I started out by massaging cyclists privately, at home. Then one day, thanks to a contact with a Spanish professional team, I was asked to step in and help out for a week. At the end of that week, they asked me to stay on. And that’s how it all began. These days, I do far less massage work. My role has evolved.

I am currently in charge of the bus drivers. I handle the organization of all trips: scheduling, bus management, servicing, safety inspections, and onboard equipment. Everything has to be ready and in perfect working order. There are seven drivers in total, including four full-time staff members. My role also involves optimizing routes to avoid unnecessary mileage. For example, we try to plan our routes based on the trips required in order to minimize back-and-forth journeys.

For me, this job is more than just a profession. I’m always happy to work. There aren’t really any “bad days.” Of course, it is a job, but it doesn’t compare to a typical office job with fixed hours. We travel, we discover new places and cultures… It’s a different kind of life. It’s a unique lifestyle. You get used to it over the years. But there are inevitably difficult moments missing family events or not being there for certain important occasions. You have to accept that. Not everyone can spend their entire career in this field for that very reason. It’s a lifestyle choice.

I have a good relationship with the riders, but I keep a low profile. I’m not the type to be constantly around them; I prefer to give them space. They’re already under enough pressure from the racing. But over time, bonds of trust develop. Some come to talk to me or open up. It depends on the individual and the rapport.

Before the race, I make sure everything is ready on the bus. During the drives, I leave the riders alone: ​​they rest, listen to music, or call their loved ones. After the race, depending on the situation, we might handle recovery specifically preparing snacks according to the nutritionists' guidelines, especially when there isn't a team chef. We also get to know the riders' habits what they like and what they need. Above all, it’s a passion. You can’t do this job if you don’t love cycling. It’s a unique environment with plenty of demands, but also a great deal of satisfaction. What I love most is everything surrounding the race: the buses, the travel, the organization, and being part of the cycling "caravan." Getting the riders to the start line, picking them up, handling the logistics for me, that’s what matters most. Over time, I’ve realized that this job requires commitment and sacrifice. But when you’re passionate about it, it just feels natural. For me, it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life.