January 8, 2010 (Valencia, Spain) – Following the official Team Sky launch in London, UK earlier this week, Pedal caught up with Canadian pro roadie Michael Barry, one of the veterans and team leaders on the newly formed ProTour squad. Currently training in Valencia, Spain, preparing for the upcoming season. Barry commented on how the team is coming together, and their plans for 2010.

How’s the training going in Spain?
Michael Barry: It is going well. The weather in Europe isn’t good at the moment, but we are in one of the best spots (Valencia), so we’re still able to get out on our bikes despite a bit of rain. In the coming days the workload will increase as we have some long rides with intensity on the schedule. We have a good group of guys and the morale is high.

What are some of the main areas you’re focusing on during the camp?
MB: Team building, endurance and intensity. The camps are where we bond as a team so the time together on the bike and at meals is where the tone for the season is set. On the training rides we will log many kilometers (4-6 hrs) while also including pacelines/ttt training, leadouts, and climbing at different intensities.

How’s your fitness and form these days – are you focusing your
training in any specific areas?
MB: My fitness isn’t bad for this time of year – I am not flying, but I’m where I need to be. I feel healthy, which is most important. After a general building phase without much intensity in December I will now focus on some race-like efforts to prepare for the first events. By riding with the team here that should come quickly.

How did the official Team Sky launch go in London earlier in the week?
MB: It was fantastic, far beyond anything else I have ever been a part of. The whole organization is incredibly professional and they have hired the best people for each specific job.

You have a strong roster – what can you tell us about some of the
team strategies going forward?
MB: Our goal is to be the world’s best sports team. Through building the right environment by providing the necessary resources and guidance, each rider should be able to perform at their best reach this goal. We have a team that can win everywhere and help achieve our goals: Wiggins can win the Tour, we have several riders who can win Classics, and a team of riders who can win stage races, time trials and sprints. The ambiance here is good and we’re all having fun, so I don’t see why we won’t have a dominant team.

What’s on tap after Spain?
MB: I return home to Girona next week for another few weeks of training and then step into the season in France at La Marseillese and Etoiles de Besseges.

All the best with Team Sky and the 2010 season.
MB: Thanks.