Xmas '99: Yesterday I visited the Equilibrium headquarters for my first meeting with Rebecca McCauley. I used the Equilibrium range of oils, rubs and injury treatments towards the end of the year when I joined the team, and it was a perfect opportunity to find out more about what I had been using. As we use products in vast quantities, we have them stored in 8 litre aluminium containers, a bit like milk churns, so we can then filter off what we need when we need it. It was interesting to hear from Rebecca some new ideas and products she is introducing next year, plus being able to ask for personalised products. She is able to design individual personalised solutions, which saves the need for me to go out and buy different things from high street chains for some of the guys as I have had to do in the past.

I like to use a good pure base oil for general massage and then for more specific injury work and especially for tired bodies, the Arnica Oil comes into it's own. As Rebecca understands all too well, these are essential tools for our jobs.

Any professional rider will tell you that they rely heavily on the products we use and have to be confident they are getting the best. From my point of view, we want products that are efficient and good for the riders, and we need to be certain of a steady reliable supply.

The season of 2000 will be an exciting time for me as I have a new team to meet and learn their likes and dislikes. I already know David McKenzie, Ben Brooks and Matthew Stephens pretty well from the last few months. For instance Macca likes a base oil to be used, especially on stage races as he has sensitive skin, plus a deep massage most of the time. Ben suffered a nasty injury when he crashed during the Sun Tour in October, it will be interesting to see how he has recovered for the new year. Matt, who broke his collar bone in Canada, has recovered well, and will be keen to keep his shoulder out of trouble this time, everyone else I have yet to meet. I very much look forward to seeing them all before our first race of the year, The Tour Down Under, in Adelaide.

Until then, Louise.