It was a cold and blustery week between Christmas 2005 and New Years 2006, as one of the Puerto Rican National Team members descended on the runway of Chicago's O'Hare Airport for the "Inaugural Bjarne Riis/CSC cross training camp p/b Hot Chick's productions." The trails were a bit to muddy for cross, so the riders were confined to the open road.

The first few days were spent by the PR team member getting used to the feel and fit of his new equipment. A Giant TCX cross frame was this year's choice of weaponry by the Federación de Ciclismo Puertoriqueno as opposed to the Colnagos that were littering the roads of Hoffman Estates.

As the week progressed the camp members took various routes mapped out by Bjarne (a.k.a. Rich & J'). 3-hour rides on the cross bikes were the main staple with varying terrain to boot. Chicago winds wipped up a couple of times on the rides which made for the temperature to drop a couple more degrees than normal. The cold was not well received by those who have become well accustomed to the tropics and bikinis, but none the less the base training had to be done! Meals and warm Christmas conversations were provided by Mama D and Co.

The group was fortunate enough to ride one day with a local powerhouse team (Village Psyhco Sport) based in the area. The members varied in fitness for the time of year, but there were one or two that played their cards early and paid for thier efforts by the end of the ride! In the end, the training camp for the PR team was considered a success and plans for an even colder edition next year are in the works.