SSTraining_DanielsonAction Hello everyone! I am writing to you from the massage table after day three of Four (six actually) Days of Dunkirk. Joachim is my massage therapist this week and I am happy to report he has good legs to work on.

I’m sure a lot of you are wondering why I am at a flat, cross-windy race instead of the mountainous Giro. After a lot of thought and some ideas from JV and team management, I decided the combination of this race and Volta a Catalunya served as the best Tour preparation for me. At these races, I can work on my weaknesses and rest first, then follow up with a race full of my strengths.

This week also marks my return to Europe since last September. I really enjoy racing in Europe as the fans are very passionate and make our job easier! The hard part about being here is being away from your loved ones. Personally, I look for certain objects along my journeys here that remind me of them. This is a new tactic of mine, so I’ll let you guys know how it works.

This is also my first time this year working with the European staff. They all seem very dialed and carry the Slipstream mentality of performing well by first enjoying what you do! We also have many nationalities aboard the team, so my language course has started again…hahaha.

So far so good here. I am riding better than ever and feel like I will be ready for an excellent July. Spring is here so everyone should be reading this post after a ride, or before…No exceptions! So get outside and enjoy life!

TD