February 23, 2004 – T-Mobile's Dede Barry is currently racing in Australia. Pedal caught up with her to see how she is doing..

Pedal: Dede, how's life down under? Enjoying Australia?

Barry: Life down under is pretty relaxed. I am loving the sunshine and warm temperatures, especially after having spent the winter in Boulder. Last week, I was nordic skiing in Boulder and the temperature was -5 degrees Celcius. Yesterday, here in Oz, I rode for four hours along the coast on the Great Ocean Road with my teammates. It was 40 degrees Celsius – a stark contrast. I feel really fortunate to be here and am excited for the races to begin.

Pedal: Good to hear your season is beginning. How has your winter training gone?

Barry: My winter training has been really consistent. I have been putting the miles in when the weather is conducive and doing quite a bit of cross training when it has been snowy and cold. Team T-Mobile has had a couple of team training camps: One in Colorado Springs in December, and the other in Buellton, California in January. The first camp allowed us some time for team bonding off the bike and the second allowed us some time to put some miles in together on the bike.

Pedal: Speaking of T-Mobile, how is the 2004 team shaping up? How are the new additions to the squad?

Barry: It was evident at our camp in California last month that the T-Mobile team is stronger than ever! It seems like each year the riders have come up a notch in fitness. The team consists of the same riders as last year with the addition of Lynn Gaggioli, our new sprinter. She is filling a gap we had in the past. She is very professional and I have really enjoyed getting to know her.

Pedal: What are your major goals for 2004?

Barry: Well, in the first part of the season, we will be trying to qualify as many T-Mobile riders as possible for the Olympic Team. We have riders with potential on the road, track and mountain bike. We will also be putting an emphasis on the World Cups and some of the UCI stage races. We have U.S. Olympic Trials in June and after that, the Olympic Team will be chosen. From there, the Olympics and the World Championships will be the focus.

Pedal: Will we be seeing you in Canada again this year?

Barry: I hope be in Quebec in May for the Montreal World Cup and G.P. Montreal. Michael and I also look forward to spending some time in Toronto, staying with my in-laws, visiting with friends and riding the Donut a few times.

Pedal: Thanks Dede.

Barry: No problem Matt.