October 3, 2003 – Dede Barry, 30 years old, is no stranger to World Championships. Her long and consistent career began with a bang: in 1989 she won the Junior World Cycling Championships in Moscow. Now, Barry finds herself racing on the strong T-Mobile professional squad, after having retired from cycling to return to school, only to re-emerge stronger, and wiser. Next week Barry leads a strong American squad and is a definite favourite. Pedal caught up to Barry, and here's what she had to say.

Pedal: Next week's World Championhips are on (sort-of) home soil. What's it like racing such the worlds in North America, after being so used to European venues – is there an advantage?

Barry: It is an incredible opportunity to be able to race a World Championship in North America. It will be the first and last time in my career and I feel really fortunate, as Michael and I will have our family and friends there watching.

Pedal: How has your prepartion been? You had a great race in Italy just recently…(Barry won stage 4 of the Giro della Toscana and placed 2nd overall on GC.)

Barry: My preparation has been really good. I have trained well all summer and recently done quite a few races to test my form. I am looking forward to racing in Hamilton.

Pedal: How has it been coping with your teammates Kim Bruckner's and Amber Neben's unexpected difficulties? Is it taxing? (Bruckner has been diagnosed with cancer and Neben is undergoing a positive test for alleged accident drug use through supplements.)

Barry: I feel very bad for Kimberly having go through this cancer scare. Both Kimberly and Amber have been missed in the past few and I am sure they are disappointed that that will not have the opportunity to race in Hamilton, but Kimberly sounds really upbeat and positive and I am sure she will be back in full strength soon. I really do not know the status of Amber's situation.

Pedal: Who will you be watching in the race as a favourite to challenge you or your teammates?

Barry:I will have a close eye on Nicole Cooke and Genevieve Jeanson, but I think there are many other girls who are capable of winning on that course as well.

Pedal: Thanks Dede, and good luck.

Barry: Thank you!