September 27, 2009 (Mendrisio, Switzerland) – Canada’s Michael Barry was the top North American placing 18th overall in Elite men’s road race at the 2009 Road World Championships on Sunday. The Canadian squad with only three riders was at a disadvantage compared to powerhouses like Italy, Spain, Belgium and Australia each with nine riders. We caught up with Barry to find out about how the race went, the course, and his thoughts on the ProTour coming to Canada in 2010.

Congrats on your 18th place top-20 finish – how were you feeling out there today?
Michael Barry: I felt good. The race was very tough – long and wearing. I was happy with my form but unhappy with my result as I made a few tactical errors at critical moments which cost me in the end. Racing with three riders on our team is limited tactically so we need to play the few cards we have at the right moments. I was too far back when the split happened with two laps to go and regret being in the wrong spot as my legs were good enough to be better placed.

Tell us how the race unfolded – you were on your own at the end.
MB: Yes, it was a race of attrition. The pace progressively got quicker and the peloton slowly whittled down until it finally blew to pieces with two laps to go.

Was it a tough course? How does it compare to last year’s in Varese, Italy only 20km away?
MB: It was a harder circuit as there was less recovery between the climbs which were both steeper. After two laps many of the riders (even some the top contenders) commented to me on the difficulty of the circuit. I don’t think the television coverage captured just how hard it actually was as the descents were technical and the climbs steep. There wasn’t a whole lot of flat to let the body recovery and the mind relax.

Any update on your new team and when an announcement will be made?
MB: Hopefully soon. It’s their decision when they will announce it so I can’t give an exact date. Sorry, but I assume it’ll be very soon.

The Canadian ProTours in Quebec City and Montreal are now confirmed for 2010. What’s the buzz in the pro peloton and your impressions of this development?
MB: Great news for us and I hope to be there. The Europeans always love coming to North America so most are excited about the races. They’re both in ideal cities for bike racing so I am sure they’ll be great events on every level.

Last time we spoke you mentioned Paris Bourges, Paris Tours and the Tour of Lombardy were next – is that still the case?
MB: Yes, but I will also race in Munsterland, Germany this coming Saturday.

Congrats again and good luck with the rest of the season.
MB: Thanks,