May 15, 2004 – Pedal caught up with Dominique Perras, the reigning national champion and who is now riding with Ofoto, for an update on how things are going as the season unfolds.

Pedal: Dom, how is the form? Feeling strong?

Perras: My form seems to be quite good. I have been a bit tired since Georgia but now I am fully recovered and feeling good in training. Perhaps because I didn't race as much by this point as in previous years, I feel quite fresh and am really looking forward to June, which will be the most important period for Olympic selection. Beauce and the Road Nationals are two really special races for me.

Pedal: And how is Ofoto working out?

Perras:  My team is good; guys are really having a blast going to races. In Georgia they were in every break, showing themselves. Many of them are young, but eager to do something if they know they can`t quite be there in the really hard section of the race. I will meet them again this week in Connecticut.

Pedal: You were top-20 at the Lincoln GP in England last week. How did that go?

Perras: It was a 13km circuit, with “only” a 300m but steep cobbled climb. I say only because it wasn't really selective and it turned out to be a “stop and go” type race, with many attacks, then easier, and a bit negative. In these circumstances it`s hard to go with every move, I gambled on a few and lost, as a group of 10 went and I missed it. I still need one last top 10 in a UCI race to please the COC and be in the “olympic pool”, now I am focusing on Philly and Beauce to achieve this.

Pedal. What's next for you?

Perras: Connecticut the next two weekends, then USPRO week, then Beauce, then the Nationals.

Pedal: Thanks Dom.

Perras: You're welcome Matt.