SSTraining_EuserAction I have received a number of notes from friends and family wondering why I wasn’t on the Giro roster. Back in November, the Giro was the focus of my early season. My schedule was even changed early February to better prepare for the epic adventure. I was excited, the team was excited. Moreover, everyone around me was more excited than both the team and I combined! But in the end, it wasn’t meant to be this year.

As I have been racing and training harder this year, some nagging pains have become problems on the bike. These pains reared their ugly heads more than ever as I attempted to do 500+ watts in my time trial position. After our first day of Giro team time trial camp, I decided to pull myself out of the rotation. That way the nine guys that were to do the Giro could work together and perfect their TTT skills.

I thought this would be harder to do that it was. After having a successful Tour de Georgia, I had been looking forward to my first Grand Tour. But somehow, it was just the right thing to do. I was the weak link and pulling myself out allowed the guys to have clear heads, ride hard, and better prepare for the challenge at hand.

Many of the guys offered their condolences. But really, I found solace in the fact that this was better for the team. It was a very tranquil feeling and I think it shows just how unique we have become. Everyone on this team is willing to make sacrifices for the good of the whole. Even if that means not partaking in the one race I have always dreamed about.

It’s really uncanny how comfortable I feel about all this, and I can’t wait to see the guys perform. It was amazing to watch those guys ride as fast and as fluidly as they did, albeit from a distance. It was as if they had been riding together for years. It’s hard to express the beauty of it all, but when you are as deeply passionate about something as I am about cycling, it is easy to find the allure in the humblest of events.

I went to see the team off this morning and everyone is looking great and in good spirits. I wish them the best of luck, knowing very well that all the preparations have been made and the only thing left is to have a little bit of good fortune on their side.

I am working hard on fixing my body issues and will be back racing in the Volta a Catalunya towards the end of the month. A great race all around, especially considering two of the nights we get to stay in our hometown of Girona. Nothing like doing a Pro Tour race in our home away from home! I’ll be sure to check back in a let everyone know how it’s going.

Ciao for now!