It was a cold snowy ride up the Gavia Pass when the American Andy Hampsten took the pink jersey and the lead of the Tour of Italy. His team doctor Max Testa told him if he held (a given) heart rate no one on the road could stay with him - and that was true. But taking and holding the lead was another thing though a similar solution. The 7-ELEVEN team simply did not have any climbers good enough to help Andy defend and so it was anticipated that team after team would attack him on the mountain stages to come. But by monitoring his heart rate Andy was able to keep a pace so high that anyone trying to go harder would inevitably crack. So it went rider after rider rode off the front only to be reeled in by Andy. And the Giro was won for the first time by an American ironically with the help of his Italian coach.
Max Testa was a young medical graduate with an added degree in exercise physiology. He was discovered and hired by my brother in-law, Jim Ochowicz at a time when 7 ELEVEN made it's professional debut in Europe with an associate sponsor, Hoonved, an Italian commercial appliance company.
With Eric Heiden as a friend and parter Max took care of “Och’s” teams from 7 Eleven - Motorola - BMC - CCC. When not actually on hand Max would call every rider on the team at least one time a week and go over their health and training. Over the years he’s been instrumental in helping riders win the Tour de France, Tour of Italy, Spain, Paris-Roubaix, The World Championships, and Gold in the Olympic Road Race. Is there a better or more complete record?
NO! So many riders owe Max so much!!
At some point (in the 80’s) Max fell in love and married one of the 7ELEVEN trainers, Julie and moved to the U.S. and Park City, Utah. Riders though the years, even many NOT on Och’s teams would come to Utah to train and get tested by Max:
Max has a wide range of expertise, not just the “go to” doctor when you’re ill, but is an astute and wise planner of training. He’s even an expert at setting up rider’s bike positions.
Seriously, though, if you were riding the Tour de France and had a spill; you would want to see Max jumping out of the team car running toward you. He’s well honored for his race skills. Here’s an excerpt from an interview:
The best doctor, the best coach in professional cycling actually extends most of his efforts helping regular folks, riders (and non riders) with their health and fitness. He and Julie run a training clinic in Park City and Max has a medical practice there.
What does Max have to do with you? Over the years I’ve asked Max for help with some of you and gotten advice in general training and planning.
OK I’m educated. I know the difference between mitocondria and oat meal… But it helps to know someone (if rarely) I can count on just to be sure.
He’s not a friend or even an associate - and often his advise comes via his own writing or through mutual friends, but I value Max Testa just a dearly as the riders he’s helped and the close friends with whom he’s had so much success.
But for a 12 hour drive I would certainly have Max Testa as a friend and mentor - and I would be the better for it. However, Max will remain a reference and a “go to” expert for me (an you). Another valuable, kind, and fun person: Massimo Testa:
Take care, have fun and DO THE MANDY CHALLENGE!!!
Roger
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