June 14, 2009 (Girona, Spain) – Canada’s Michael Barry (Columbia-Highroad) did not start stage 6 at the Dauphiné Libéré which finishes on Sunday. Barry just completed his second Giro d’Italia (on May 31st) and was back on the start line of the Dauphiné Libéré one week later. We caught with him for a brief chat about his DNS.

How are you feeling and can you explain why you didn’t start Stage 6 at Dauphiné Libéré?
Michael Barry: I have been racing a lot in the last two months so I went home to rest up and be with my family. Between the Tour of Romandy, the Giro and the Dauphine my program was loaded so with a few weeks of rest and good training I should be able to hit a peak in July/August. Generally after a Grand Tour, like the Giro, a cyclist needs 10 days to two weeks of rest to really feel the benefits in fitness from the race. I am confident that I will feel those benefits very soon.

Tell us about your recovery from the Giro and the first five stages at Dauphiné Libéré.
MB: I recovered well during the Giro despite a huge workload – I spent over 1/4 of the race in the wind on the front of the peloton working for my team mates – and came out of the race tired but not wasted. More than anything else, when I finished the grand tour, I just needed some time at home with my wife and kids as I had been away from them for six weeks. I started the Dauphine feeling lousy following an easy week after the Giro, but with each stage I felt better which gives me confidence for the future.

What’s up next for you?
MB: The next months are still undecided but I should know what I will be doing in a week or two.