September 17, 2009 – Canada’s Michael Barry (Columbia-HTC) just finished the Tour of Missouri where he was the top Canuck overall and snagged the Most Aggressive Rider jersey on the final stage in Kansas City. He was selected to Canada’s Team to compete in the road race at the upcoming 2009 Road Worlds Mendrisio, Switzerland, Sept. 23-27. We caught up with before he jetted off to Europe to prepare for the Road World Championships.

What’s the team’s assessment of their performance at the Tour of Missouri?
Michael Barry: We were happy with the overall performance. We came to win stages and to place someone on the final overall podium. We accomplished both. If Mark Cavendish hadn’t fallen ill I am sure he would have won a few more stages. The time trial didn’t go as well as we had hoped but otherwise we were pleased with our race. On a personal level, I felt better each day and came out confident and happy with my fitness and performance.

You earned the Most Aggressive jersey on the final stage – were you surprised?
MB: I wasn’t surprised to be awarded the jersey. I felt good, attacked repeatedly and bridged the gap to the breakaway at a tough moment. Had the race been longer the classification would have changed on the final stage as the course was tough enough to split the peloton over 4 hrs/160km. It was a shame we only raced for 2.5 hrs/115km as I think the stage would have been exciting had it been longer. Regardless, I felt good on the climbs and was content with my day on the bike.

Congrats, you’re named to Canada’s 2009 Road Worlds team – what can you tell us about the team, the course and any strategies you’ve got planned?
MB: We have a solid team. Ryder [Hesjedal] is riding very well at the moment. I have been training well for the last few months and feel really good – the Tour of Missouri has brought me up another level. On several stages in Missouri I rode an hour or so more to prepare myself for the distance at the Worlds. During the next week I will do a few longer days with some shorter climbs to simulate the course. The Road Worlds course is tough and suits us. I am confident the three of us [including Svein Tuft] will race well together as we did at the Olympics.

We’re all excited to hear about your new team… anything you can share with fans?
MB: The team will make an announcement in the coming days. It is a new environment and an opportunity I am excited about. I am confident the team will make a significant and positive impact on cycling. They have great vision and have created an environment that will nurture the athletes so that they can achieve their potential.

After Worlds what’s on your agenda?
MB: Paris Bourges, Paris Tours and the final end of season races in Italy, including the Tour of Lombardy.

You like to write – any more books planned?
MB: Yes, I am working on a book at the moment with a friend who is a photographer. With photos and text, the book will document the season of a professional. Our goal is capture the life of a professional cyclist from his training at home to his life at the races. The book will be published next spring.

All the best and thanks for spending time with us?
MB: Thank you