Setting the tone and taking names

As the today’s activities wrap up, Team Garmin-Chipotle has officially set the tone for the weekend by winning the US Pro national time trial championships with Dave Z and putting a total of 4 riders in the top 5. Here is a follow up the conversation Timmy (below right) and I had yesterday with a little recap of today’s happenings along with some rather interesting insights from some of the others I caught roaming the halls of the hotel.

Q: Timmy, you’re first and last race back is over and done with. How did it go for you?
Timmy: It was OK. Obviously I would have liked to be on the podium. I didn’t really know what to expect, so to be in the top 15 shows I’m working my way back into the hunt. It’s tough competing when you are not at your best. But it’s all part of my return to the sport. Today was more of a stepping-stone to the future.

Q: What was the mood amongst the team at the beginning of the day?
Timmy: Quiet confidence. Everyone did their own thing today with no drama and let the legs do the talking. And they did just that with our team taking 4 out of the top 5 spots.

Q: How did it feel to be a part of that team today?
Timmy: It was a proud day to be part of Team Garmin-Chipotle. It’s nice to be a part of the incredible depth of this team.

Q: Any closing statements before you depart into the off-season?
Timmy: I’m excited to close out a rough season and start on structured path to rebuilding myself tomorrow. That and sitting and watching our team take the victory tomorrow, with my legs up and a beer in my hand.

Tom Danielson: “I just wanted to impress Danny Pate. It’s all because Danny said he wouldn’t put me on his Facebook unless I rode fast. I’m awaiting my invite.”

Jen (soignuer): “Of all these guys, somebody better friggin win.” When asked what she does: “I’m pretty much a professional Mom.”

Danny: “I do shish kebabs all day long.”

Chann: “Zup (Dave Z) rode off of his 12th place Olympic finish and translated that result directly to a national championship today with great focus and inner drive.”

Blake: “There will be a national championships jersey on the 6th floor of the Hyatt tomorrow or you can call me Susan.”

Tom Peterson: “You going fishing?” he said as I accidentally woke him up from a nap. I don’t think he knew where he was.

(left) Steven Cozza: Debating on whether he should take a bottle or not, he tries to decide how many sips he’s actually going to take. Asked if he is worried about drinking too much at the beginning, he says: “Nah, if I have to go dude, I’ll just pee my pants.” That’s Cozza’s shear dedication to the sport.

Christian: “I’m going to rip people’s heads off tomorrow,” he said with intense emotion. And I’m pretty damn sure he meant it. I didn’t ask for anything else.

Dave Z: “What do you think I sold them all? This time it’s for the money.” Your guess is as good as mine! I think it’s an Ice Cube quote.

Well you heard it from the sources. All of us are fired up from today and ready to do it again tomorrow. It’s going to be a hard day out there, but coming from guys that eat hills like Paris Mountain for breakfast, we are all up to the challenge.