April 12, 2010 – Pedal caught up with Michael Barry (Can) Team Sky after he finished 26th in Sunday’s prestigious Paris Roubaix spring classics race in France. Barry, who was assigned to ride in support of team leader, Juan Antonio Flecha (Spa) Team Sky, who finished third, suffered a flat tire at an inopportune time in the race. Keep reading for Barry’s first-hand observations at the legendary Hell of the North.

How are you feeling after the 259km Hell of the North?
Michael Barry: I feel good. The team had a solid race and I felt very good and comfortable on the cobbles. Today, I’m a little sore but should be okay by tomorrow.

Tell us how the race unfolded – what was your role?
MB: My role was to help Juan Antonio Flecha after the forest of Arenberg so for the first half of the race I sat in the wheels, stayed close to my teammates and kept myself as fresh as possible. There was a strong headwind so the race was tough from the start. The large breakaway which forged a gap after 50 km also meant the peloton never really rode a slow tempo as they had to keep the gap relatively small.

Team Sky was on the podium with Juan Antonio Flecha – was that the plan?
MB: Yes. He was our leader. We knew he had the form to do very well so the goal was to get out there and give it our best for him. Aside from Cancellara he was surely the strongest in the race.

You had a solid race finishing in 26th – did things unfold as expected?
MB: I was to be there in the heart of the race, split the group on the stones and follow the attacks in the last 100 km to set the race up for Flecha. After I rode a solid tempo over a section of stones the break was caught and the peloton split. When the group was down to 15-20 I flatted at a bad moment, had a lousy wheel change and never made it back to the front group again which was annoying as my legs were still in good shape. But, that’s bike racing…

We watched your Paris-Roubaix Reconnaissance video – how important is the pre-ride?
MB: Important as it is a good reminder of the different sections and their difficulty. It also gives us a chance to check tire pressure and the equipment.

Is the peloton surprised with Cancellara’s emphatic win and recent string of spring classic victories?
MB: He’s had similar performances in other races in the past so it isn’t a massive surprise, but how convincingly he won was impressive.

How do you wind down after such a gruelling race and how many days of recovery do you need?
MB: Usually I need about 3-4 days to feel normal but after the Classics campaign I will have about 6 days off before I start training for the Giro.

What’s next on the schedule?
MB: I race in Fleche Barbaconne on Wednesday and then have a short break until the Giro.