June 17, 2004 – The Vuelta Catalunya is a lead-up race to the Tour de
France. There are mountain stages, a TTT, an uphill TT and a few hard road
stages. The US Postal Service had teams in both Catalunya and the Dauphine
from which they select the Tour team. The races provide and ideal trampoline
to gain fitness for the Tour.

The race opened with a short 18K TTT that’s fairly technical. We had a good
team for the race but never really got a good smooth flow going and paid the
price by losing a lot of time to the leaders in the
first half and then staying equal with them in the second half. We were all
very frustrated with the ride after we crossed the line as we knew we could
have gone faster. Similar to having a five-speed car and never being able to
use the 5th gear.

The second stage proved to be a tough one with a few fairly stiff long
climbs and a challenge finish. The run in to the finish took us on small
winding country roads that were wet and slick from an afternoon thinder
shower. On each corner of the descents riders would be laid out or picking
themselves up from the ground. Chechu and I led out Max for the finish and
he
finished 3rd. The finish was straight uphill for the last kilometer so it
was challenging for Max. He is in great form and we’ll be riding to help him
win a stage later in the race-when we know there is a chance at a group
sprint.

Yesterday’s stage was the “queen” stage of the race: 200K with two hard
first category mountain climbs in the Pynreenean “country” of Andorra. We
don’t really have a leader here and we were all simply to ride our own race
going into the climbs with Daniel Rincon and Chechu Rubiera, the two
climbers
to give the ascensions a good effort. I felt fairly good on the climbs. I
rode within myself and came out ok at the top.

Today we have an uphill TT which climbs out of the town of Andorra. It is
12K long and should be fairly significant in deciding the GC of the race.

Perdiguero, a Spanish sprinter/climber, a little powerhouse has won the
first two stages with his wicked punch. It will be interesting to see how he
fairs today in the TT because up until now he looks like the man to beat for
the overall.

June 8, 2004 – The USPRO Championship race in Philadelphia is the
biggest one-day race in America. The crowds are massive and embrace
the race with their enthusiasm. The peloton is loaded with the best
American professionals and many European stars. And the prize money
is greater than most races on the international calendar.

When it’s hot in Philly,the race is hard. The peloton disseminates
and the winner is most likely the strongest rider on that day. When
it’s cold and overcas,t the race is controlled, fast and usually
comes down to a field sprint. This year we woke up to clouds and cool
temps.

USPS had the fastest sprinter in the peloton – Max Van Hejswik – and
we were racing for him if the race came down to a group sprint. In
the last laps, I was free to race my own race and try for the victory.

All unfolded according to plan for our team. An early break went up
the road and the peloton settled into a rhythm. We had riders in the
break and therefore there was no desperation to chase. With half of
the race to go, the break was losing ground on the peloton. Our team,
along with CSC, kept the race under control for the final laps.

With four laps to go I had a “run in” with a loudmouth Saeco rider.
After pushing me in a couple of turns he took his hand off his bars
and whacked mine out from underneath me. At the foot of the wall, I
came crashing down. Thankfully I wasn’t too badly hurt and managed to
get going again quickly. Henk Vogels and Gord Fraser both put the
Italian straight and told him how it is in America. Not bad guys to
have on your side. Thanks to them for looking out for me.

With one lap to go Horner attacked on the Wall in Manaynunk. I closed
the gap and we had a break of four going over the top. As Freddy
Rodriguez and Kirk O’bee were in the front with me, I couldn’t pull
as they can both sprint fairly well.

Max was a near sure bet for the victory in a final sprint as the run
to the finish is slightly uphill with a headwind. We kept the race
under control with Max in position until the final hundred meters. He
was lined up for the victory and had a mechanical problem. Six hours
of perfect racing came undone in a few metres and it was over. We
went home with nothing but a lot of frustration.

I am currently on a flight back to Spain for the Vuelta Catalunya, a
mountainous week-long race in north eastern Spain.

For more about Barry, visit www.michaelbarry.ca

May 22, 2004 – Today’s stage was fast from the start as we had a strong tailwind for the first hour or so. In a tailwind, everybody has great legs and therefore the attacks are incessant but rarely anything sticks. The racing is also very nervous as a result of the speed and attacks.

Our goal today was to cover the breaks, but not waste too much energy, as we had no reason the control the race: The overall lead was not ours, and the race would likely come down to a field sprint, in which case we would help out Max.

The final of the stage was tough with a 9K circuit that wound through city streets with a few short hills and many corners. It’s important to be up front on a circuit like this as the field gets completely strung out and often splits from the back. It seems like I spent most of the day in the race caravan of cars since I was constantly coming back from flat tires (two of my own, plus one with Victor), and then a small tangle up/crash. As we neared the circuits a rider ran into the back of me. We didn’t fall but came to a grinding halt as our bikes were quite tangled. It’s a strange moment when you’re going down. You first work on holding yourself up and then you start anticipating getting hit from behind. This was my third time in the caravan and the commisaires were getting use to seeing my jersey. With two laps to go on the circuit I flatted again, chased back onto the peloton, and was moving my way up with Dave Zabriskie, who had kindly waited, and then was caught behind a split. It was a frustrating day.

On a positive note, the team was good and we were always well represented in the front. Dave has made a solid comeback from his injuries, Victor is lining up for the race win overall, and I am feeling consistently better each day. I think we have a few potential stage winners on the team, so we’ll see what the next days bring.

April 27, 2004 – The night prior to Liege the designer/engineer/owner of SRM sat to have dinner and chat with us. We were feasting on a big pre-race meal and he told us not to be scared to eat as much as possible because from the SRM data files he has received LBL was signaled as the hardest race on the calendar. LBL requires the highest energy expenditure of any event-around 7,000 kilojoules. I have been slightly sick the since Pays Basque so couldn't really eat all the much and wasn't really able to absorb much of it either. I was a little disappointed with this situation as I think the Ardennes races suit me quite well.

The day before Liege we rode the last 50km of the course. Half of the peloton never makes it this far, but in case you do and you're feeling good, it is the crucial hour of the race as half of the climbs of this 260 km event come during this part of the route. The climbs themselves are not incredibly difficult but it is the fact that they come after six hours of hard racing that makes them sting.

Our plan going into the race was to protect Floyd (Landis), Triki (Beltran) and then let Chechu (Rubiera) and Jose (Azvedo) do their own race. Benjamin (Noval) and I were to try and be strong enough towards the end of the race to help those guys out as much as possible to get into position and to make sure they had enough fuel. The crowds during the whole week of racing were phenomenal and best of all was seeing a Canadian flag out on the course and my Dad beside it cheering.

Our team was very solid throughout the week although we didn't have a leader that could make the difference in the final. Floyd did very well all week and was able to be there until the last moments of the race as did Triki. It is a good sign for the team that we nearly had a full squad left going into the last hour of the race – not many teams do. Next up are the stage races so I am home resting, and trying to get healthy so that I can hit a few targets. I left the Ardennes wanting more as they are truly the greatest races.

March 3, 2004 – Murcia to San Pedro del Pinatar, 177 km: The stage today started out fast and furious but as there was a strong tailwind no breakaways were able to stick,. The field ended up cruising along for about 85K. One rider from Banesto jumped away and gained three minutes as the rest of us rode and talked. When he hit the three minute mark, Kelme got to the front and began increasing the tempo to bring him back.

Going into the stage we knew the wind would be more of a factor than the hills, especially in the last hour of the race as the course followed a road that paralleled the coastline. As we neared the coast, Kelme increased the speed hard on a short climb, splintered the field and continued on the descent. As we had the whole team there and knew Max (Van Heeswijk) would be able to sprint well in the final, we joined in to keep the pace high and keep the peloton in two pieces.

In the final 10K we simply kept Max out of the wind and as close to the front as much as possible. He placed himself on the right wheels and won a tight sprint against Erik Zabel. Neither put up their hands as they didn't know who had won. It was a downhill tailwind finish, not really up Max's alley as he tends to be better when it is a hard grind to the finish. It was a sweet victory for him.

The team is riding really well and everybody was looking solid in the front against the wind.

Tomorrow's TT should set the stage for the overall classification…

Results:
1. Max Van Heeswijk (Ned) U.S. Postal Service-Berry Floor, 4.20.51
2. Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Spa) Illes Balears-Banesto
3. Erik Zabel (Ger) T-Mobile
4. Jan Svorada (Cze) Lampre
5. Isaac Galvez (Spa) Illes Balears-Banesto
6. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Com.Valenciana-Kelme
7. Miguel A M.Perdiguero (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir
8. David Navas (Spa) Illes Balears-Banesto
9. Xavier Florencio (Spa) Relax-Bodysol
10. Ion Del Rio (Spa) Costa Almeria-Paternina
11. Alberto Hierro (Spa) Cafes Baque
12. Constantino Zaballa (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir
13. Francisco Gutierrez (Spa) Cafes Baque
14. Bjorn Leukemans (Bel) Mrbookmaker.com-Palmans
15. Marcus Fothen (Ger) Gerolsteiner
16. Ruben Plaza (Spa) Com.Valenciana-Kelme
17. Jose Alberto Martinez (Spa) Relax-Bodysol
18. Juan Manuel Garate (Spa) Lampre
19. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service-Berry Floor
20. David De La Fuente (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir

For more about Barry, visit www.michaelbarry.ca

March 4, 2004 – Today Michael Barry (USPS) scored a solid 12th in the stage two time trial. Here's what he had to say about the day.

Stage 2: Lorca – Lorca ITT, 21.3K

Hi everyone,

Today was a flat TT with a bit of wind on a loop with few technical sections. I decided to give it a try as i have been feeling pretty good in training and had good sensations on the TT in Algarve. I was interested to see how I could go against some of the specialists as the field here in Murcia have a lot more depth than that in Algarve.

At the end of the day, I was happy with the result, although I know I could improve on a few things and go a bit faster. Since the Vuelta (and the load of work I accumulated there) I feel much more solid overall on the bike, and in the bunch. It is true that a three week tour gives you more power.

I have been thinking about the Newmarket Eagles TT's I did as a kid and how hard I went during those. I would be knackered and tasting blood at the end. I decided that to do well in TT's is needed that sensation at the finish. So, as I cruise down the ramp that is on my mind – the canal in the marsh!

Tomorrow we are faced with a rolling stage that will most likely be controlled, and end in a field sprint as the hills are not really selective enough. Saturday's mountain top finish will decide the race as we have another sprint stage on Sunday.

The weather is about 20 degrees celcuis warmer here today than it was yesterday, which is a nice change. Shorts and jersey instead of arm warmers and long gloves.

March 9, 2004 – The final stage of the Tour of Murcia was set to to be a field sprint in downtown Murcia. It was a flat course so we thought it could be another opportunity for our sprinter extraordinaire Dutchman Max {Van Heeswijk}. We helped him get to the front and then lead him out, but I guess he can't win everything. There were a few crashes he got caught behind, meaning he had to expend more energy trying to find the right wheels, and it just wasn't an ideal finish for him. (Translation:  it wasn't really selective and hard enough for Max.)

I ended up driving to my second home of Girona as it was quicker than flying. Daniel Rincon went with me. He's the brother of the well known Colombian Olivero. He really loves cycling and loves his job. He takes it seriously and never for granted. Now it's time for me to rest, recharge my batteries and get ready for the next race on my plate.


Stage 5:

1. Luciano A. Pagliarini (Bra) Lampre, 3.03.56
2. Erik Zabel (Ger) T-Mobile
3. Miguel A M.Perdiguero (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir
4. Koldo Fernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
5. Peter Wrolich (Aut) Gerolsteiner
6. Eddy Mazzoleni (Ita) Saeco
7. Ion Del Rio (Spa) Costa Almeria-Paternina
8. Jose Miguel Elias (Spa) Relax-Bodysol
9. Max Van Heeswijk (Ned) U.S. Postal Service-Berry Floor
10. Fco.José Ventoso (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir
—
13. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service-Berry Floor

For more about Michael Barry, visit www.michaelbarry.ca

March 30, 2004 – The last week I spent in Belgium and France racing in Waregem and Criterium International. Both are great races although very different. In Waregem you have all the guys getting ready for Flanders and Roubaix, and in Criterium Internationale you have the stage race riders and all the guys getting ready for Fleche and Liege. In Belgium the peloton was filled with massive flatlanders; whereas in France, the skinny riders were in the front.

I was a little out of my element in Flanders as I hadn't raced on the cobbles since 1995 when I was there with Denis Roux and the Canadian National Team. I settled into the race quickly and figured out how to ride the stones and bergs and how to get into position for them. In the end, I left wanting to go back for more of it. I'll have to wait until Amstel to feel the bergs and probably next year to feel the cobbles since I am off to Pays Basque next week.

Criterium Internationale is a tough race since they pack a complete stage race into two days: road stage, TT, and hilly road race in the Ardennes. We also lost an hour of sleep due to the clocks jumping ahead which didn't make things any easier. We went to the race with two leaders, Floyd Landis and Lance. They both have the form to do well and place in the first three – maybe win. We protected them on the flats and got them into place for the climbs and led Lance out for a time bonus sprint, which got a lot of attention from the camera bikes.

In the end the race came down to a 3K uphill finish and the 8K TT. Not much distance, but enough for Jens Voigt to win two stages and secure the race victory.

Lance, Chechu {Jose Luis Rubiera}, Floyd and I all went for it in the TT. I am still trying to improve in the TT and am getting better with each race. In the end the team was happy with how the race went and I think things are starting to fall into place for the coming months.

Ed. note: Barry finished 12th in the TT, and 33rd overall. For more about Barry, visit www.michaelbarry.ca

April 7, 2004 – Pays Basque is one of the hardest week-long races on the calendar. The courses are tough with relentless climbs, the weather usually pretty cold and foul, and many riders are in flying form for the Ardennes classics and the Giro. We went into this race with pretty loose objectives. I think it would be good to place a few guys in the first ten and maybe get a few results on the stages.

The racing so far as been pretty tough. We are hitting the climbs fast and hard and the attacks are relentless. As a friend of mine (who was watching the race on TV today) said, “It looked like a criterium on a hard road course with several climbs.” Being in the front at the bottom of the climbs is pretty key since it's almost impossible to move up after the climb has started. So far the weather has been quite agreeable, but snow is in the forecast for the coming days. Fun.

The Euskatel team is on home soil with the home field advantage. They know the roads, and have thousands of people cheering them on. It is encouraging to see the support cycling has around here. The climbs are lined with spectators as are the start and finish areas.

Until tomorrow…

April 7, 2004 – Tonight I was chatting with Jose Azevedo and he commented on how hard this race is. Not only is it consistently hilly, but the weather is pretty foul. And there aren't any “easy” days where a field sprint is guaranteed and you can spin your legs in the bunch. Today was the easiest day, and it wasn't easy – 20 riders packed it in.

We were either going up or down, and the skies opened on us as soon as the starter's pistol was fired. But that is the negative, and there is also a whole lot of positive: Our team is doing well and we have three places of the classification, we are getting some awesome fitness out of it for the coming classics, and the hotels have been quality. Kelme is continuing their winning ways of the last months with another victory today by Zarate, and a second place by Valverde as he won the field sprint. Valverde is a true all-rounder since he can climb with the best and also sprint. He has been putting a few bike lengths into the other sprinters in the last months and has also had a good run of stage race overall victories. He is back in yellow again tonight.

Tomorrow and Friday morning's road stage (there is an 8K TT in the afternoon) are perhaps the two hardest days of the race and they should be decisive for the overall. We’re crackin' out the cold weather gear as well and are getting ready for winter temps and snow. Hasta luego.

April 13, 2004 – Last sunday night Ryder Hesjedal and I headed back to our apartments in Spain for a week of training and rest. The last weeks have been great preparation for the coming classics in the Ardennes. Both Pays Basque and the Classica Primavera are great races to build strength and test the legs against some of the best climbers in the peloton.

Despite the lousy weather, rain and snow for pretty much the whole week, we were able to get the most out of the sessions. The team, and Floyd Landis finished up the race in Basque nicely with good overall results. Our team was consistent throughout the race and got stronger as the days passed. The TT was pretty sketchy, a technical course with many turns, on a wet surface. It so cold enough on the day that riders were starting the 12-minute long race with gloves, hats and arm warmers. I decided to take it pretty easy as it was not worth taking any risks in the corners or on the downhills. There was not much to gain and a lot to lose. At the end of the day many Americans were in the top ten, a trend that has developed throughout this season. It's impressive to see the results the North Americans have been achieving in the hardest stage races on the calendar.

Ryder came down on Saturday from Belgium to join the team for the single day race, Klasica Primavera, just outside of Pilbao. With fresh legs and a lot of confidence he was a good addition to the team. We lost Floyd and Victor to the roads of Roubaix so Ryder was good replacement for the climbs in the Basque country.

Once again we started in the pouring rain with all of our wet, cold weather clothing on, and prepared for a tough day. In Primavera the first three hours are flat and the last couple are mountainous. It is a race of patience, endurance and strength to the finish. Our team did very well with nearly everyone at the front on the climbs in the last hours. The peloton soon whittled down to 40 riders and when we hit the final climb it came to pieces. Ryder found himself flying in the front with Triki (Beltran) and some other climbing aces. In the end he finished an impressive fifth with some of the best in the world. Not only is he fitting into the team well but he is also riding well. I think we are all looking forward to the coming classics in Belgium and Holland.

April 20, 2004 – On Saturday night we arrived in the Netherlands for the Amstel Gold Race. Amstel is an exciting but dangerous race as it's on small roads with many traffic islands, roundabouts, signs etc. It's a race that requires 100% focus for nearly the entire six-hour event. The race started out in the usual format that World Cups and Classics unfold: early on a small break gaineed several minutes on the peloton and jumped away, a team went to the front to bring it back and keep control (Rabobank in this case) and then the final selection came in the last hour or 50K.

The course was lined with spectators nearly the whole way with the climbs being packed with cheering, drunk, fans. Going into the race, I was a bit unsure of where I would final myself in the event as I have been slightly sick with stomach problems the last week. Our leader for the day was Floyd Landis since he has been riding consistently well in the last weeks. It was our job to make sure he was in position for the final hour when the attacks would break the race.

Ryder Hesjedal did a great job in his first WC. He was able to help the team out and was near the front of the race until we reached the final. At the end of the day Floyd put in a good attack in a bid to make the front group and win, but simply came apart since he was depleted of energy.

In Amstel, Boogerd was the man of the day and the crowd cheered his name throughout the race. His team did a great job keeping the race under control for him, and set things up perfectly for the final. But at the end of the day, he was outsprinted by Rebellin.

The coming races, Fleche and Liege, should suit the team a little better since they both have quite a bit more climbing and are less technical.

February 22, 2004 – Stage 4: Vila Real S.Antonio-Tavira ITT. Well, today was an awesome day for the team. We knew everybody was in good shape as we had all being going well at training camp. I don't think it was a suprise to see everybody ride fast but it was a surprise to have so many guys in the top ten. Our team sets the standard in the TTs for the most part and when the level on the team is high you learn from your teammates and progress as an individual. I think this has been a big factor in my progress in the TTs this past year. Also, I have spent a lot more time in the gym which has given me more strength and stability in my back and legs.

1. Lance Armstrong (USA) U.S. Postal Service 31.53 (45.165 km/h)
2. Floyd Landis (USA) U.S. Postal Service 0.01
3. Victor Hugo Pena (Col) U.S. Postal Service 0.12
4. Thomas Dekker (Ned) Rabobank 0.19
5. Jimmy Engoulvent (Fra) Cofidis 0.30
6. Joaquim Andrade (Por) Wurth/BOM Petisto
7. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service 0.40
8. Pedro Lopes (Por) L.A. Pecol 0.46
9. Joost Posthuma (Ned) Rabobank
10. George Hincapie (USA) U.S. Postal Service 0.48

Stage 5 – February 22: Parque Das Cidades-Malhao, 178.5 km (This is what Barry had to say before stage five – looks like he was bang on with his predictions..) Today will be the toughest stage of the race with two climbs and a hill top finish. We are obviously in a great position to take control of the race and we'll try and finish the week off with an overall win. But, we are not underestimating the Portuguese, many of whom ride well in the hills and are extremely motivated.

1. Floyd Landis (USA) U.S. Postal Service 4.40.18
2. Peter Farazijn (Bel) Cofidis 0.05
3. Candido Barbosa (Por) L.A. Pecol
4. Victor Hugo Pena (Col) U.S. Postal Service
5. Ezequiel Mosquera (Spa) Carvalhelhos-Boavista 0.09
6. David Bernabeu (Spa) Milaneza-Maia 0.14
7. Bruno Castanheira (Por) Milaneza-Maia 0.21
8. Thomas Dekker (Ned) Rabobank 0.24
9. Martin Garrido (Arg) Barbot-Gaia
10. Juan Olmo (Spa) Barbot-Gaia 0.25
—
31. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service 1.02

Final Overall:
1. Floyd Landis (USA) U.S. Postal Service 18.03.04
2. Victor Hugo Pena (Col) U.S. Postal Service 0.26
3. Candido Barbosa (Por) L.A. Pecol 0.45
4. Thomas Dekker (Ned) Rabobank 0.52
5. Lance Armstrong (USA) U.S. Postal Service 1.11
6. Pedro Lopes (Por) L.A. Pecol 1.32
7. Joost Posthuma (Ned) Rabobank 1.34
8. Jimmy Engoulvent (Fra) Cofidis 1.35
9. David Bernabeu (Spa) Milaneza-Maia 1.41
10. Martin Garrido (Arg) Barbot-Gaia 1.43
——
12. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service 1.51

February 23, 2004 – USPS' Michael Barry's teammate Floyd Landis soloed away to the overall victory in Portugal, with Barry himself coming in a solid 12th overall. Here's what Barry had to say about the last stage. – Matt Hansen

Well, there was rain from the start – cold, hard rain. The team hit the front from the start with George [Hincapie] and Benjamin [Noval] keeping things in control. We let an 11-man break go, but never let them get over four minutes. With about 60K remaining, I stepped in to give George and Benjamin a hand on the front. We brought back the break just before we hit the bottom of the final ascent. Daniel [Rincon] and Jose [Azevedo] were saved for the final climb and Lance, Floyd and Victor [Hugo Pena] for the overall.
The goal was for Floyd to win the stage and overall. The hill was very steep and about 3K long. He went from the 2K-to-go sign, then decided it was too far out, let himself get caught and went again without 1K to go. The team was impressive all week: Two stage wins, one, two overall, team GC and several placings. The one good thing is we didn't approach this race as a main objective so it was a nice bonus that the team was dominant. It is amazing to see how the team will rise to the task when we have the race lead. It is really awesome to be a part of the group that works so well together.”
For more on Barry, visit www.michaelbarry.ca