Question of the Day:

Hi Michael, thanks for your time! Do you know where will be held the training camp this year? How do you like these training camps? How do you feel today? I heard you won't need plastic surgery.

Daniele Franc
Magnot, Switzerland

Michael Barry:

Hi Daniele,

Thanks for the note. I am feeling much better and am now back home in Boulder, CO. My ribs are still sore but most of my cuts have healed over. I was fortunate not to have needed the surgery. A few scars will make me look a little tougher anyhow.

As for the training camps, I am still not sure where they will be held. Last year we had three – one in Austin, one in Phoenix and one in Javea, Spain. The training camps are great as we get a chance to gather in a relaxed atmosphere and get fit again. It is also a good opportunity for us to meet the sponsors, and spend time gettting to know the new riders. Last year, after the camp in Austin, I felt like one of the team and it was much easier going into the season knowing the guys I would be racing with.

Thanks again,
Michael

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry direct from the Vuelta. Although Michael is out of the race following a bad crash he is continuing to answer questions for Pedal readers. Please forward any questions for us to ask Michael to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day.

Hi Michael,

Everyone at Pedal hopes your recovery from your crash in the Vuelta is going well, and you're enjoying your off season thus far. We wanted to ask you about your thoughts regarding the Road World Championships this weekend. You're very familiar with the course and the riders – it's a shame you can't be there – but how do you think the race will end up?

Hey Matt,

Hmmmm…thoughts on the Worlds: I was talking with Henk Vogels the other night and from what he has heard the hill is not much of a hill and the peloton will roll over it in about a 53X15. So, that said, there will not be one section of the course in which the selections will occur. Usually there is one section where the decisive splits happen but without a climb teams will have to be far more attentive at all times. If the Italians race together and for Cipo (Mario Cippolini, Italy) he will most likely win in a field sprint. But, I would not be at all surprised if the race for the jersey comes from a breakaway group, as it will be very hard for the sprint teams to control the race from start to finish. It is a good course for an underdog or opportunist.

The race will be extremely aggressive as a result of the less challenging circuit – the opposite of what happened last year. If the weather is bad and if it is windy the race will be far more attrious. If it is a sprint it will be between Cipollini and (Robbie) Mcwen (Australia). Baden Cooke (Australia) and Erik Zabel (Germany) will be up there as well.. the obvious sprinters. The Australian team will be divided so a victory for them will be hard.

Oscar Freire (Spain) is awesome in longer races, especially at Worlds, and it would not at all be a surprise to see him in the jersey again. The Spanish team rides very well together and all for him, which could make a huge difference at the end of the day.

I think my USPS teammate Tom Boonen (Beligum) will be up there at the finish as his form is good, he is extremely motivated and he'll be in front of his home crowd. Mueseew, also from Belgium will be rolling as well.

As for the North Americans, I know Freddy Rodriguez (USA) is really motivated and can do something if he has a good day. Antonio Cruz (USA) came out of the Vuelta in good form and was 20th the other day at Paris Tours. I think he could be a great help to Freddy. If Charles (Dionne/Canada) uses his head and saves everything he could do all right in a field sprint. He has to be really conservative and go with only the right moves as he'll be lacking the endurance.

On the women's side Van Moorsel (Holland) will be the one to beat. Petra Rossner (Germany) is the fastest in a bunch sprint, but I think the real underdog, or outsider will be Dede (Demet, USA). Note: Michael assured us there was no bias in his opinion as to his wife Dede's chances). Honestly, the race is a bit of crap shoot and it will be really exciting as a result.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist with United States Postal Service. What you think about Michael's predictions? Email us at pedal@passport.ca and cc mattsh@hotmail.com. We will post your comments, predictions and questions in our new Letters section!

Question of the Day:

Hello Michael,
A group of us are going to Javea in March to do some cycling (100 km every other day with running and swimming on off days). We were wondering if you give us some info on the biking there; i.e. good routes to take and ones to avoid. I appreciate any help you can give and understand if you don't have the time.

Thanks
Don
Ottawa, ON

Michael Barry:

Hi Don,

Javea is a great place to ride. This spring at our team camp we did most of our riding in the mountains to the west. The coastal riding is flat but there is a lot of traffic and the towns are not very pleasant. If we did ride along the coast it was usually on easier days and we would head to a town with a good cafe. The oranges are great around there, try a cafe bonbon, and have a fun trip.

Michael

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry. Please forward any questions for us to ask Michael to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day.

Question of the Day:

Hi Michael,
You are no longer in the Vuelta because of your very bad crash – this was noted in the news and on TV, as well on your web site. I hope your recovery is speedy and complete as you are one of my favorite Posties. Love your comments on bike.com.

But I have seen NOTHING anywhere why Pena and Steffen Kjærgaard abandoned, except they did abandon as noted on official list. Steffan's web site is not in English so cannot find out why he abandoned. Also did not hear on news (TV-OLN) that either were in a crash.

I would like to know why they are no longer with the team. Thank you for any information you are allowed to divulge.

Ris.

Michael Barry:

Hi Ris,

Steffen became ill and unfortunately didn't have enough energy in him to keep going. After a number of crashes, and a tough day, Victor was ousted from the race by an official for holding on to the team car while climbing the Angrilu.

I am glad you enjoy the articles and thanks for your support.

Michael.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day.

Question of the Day:

We have not seen anything on TV, and nothing at the USPS site either, but the picture on Yahoo (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/020914/168/294qu.html) of Michael after the stage 8 crash makes me cringe.

I hope all is well and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Sincerely,

Eric Wesley

Michael Barry:

Hi Eric.

Thanks for the note. I appreciate all the support I have received in the last few days. It makes a huge difference. I am getting better but will not race anymore this season. For the most part I have a lot of abrasions and bruising but nothing that shouldn't repair itself with time.

Thanks again for your concern,
Michael.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day.

Today's Question:

1. What happened to the USPS team? The only members seen on TV are Roberto and Christian. Will the rest join them later in the Tour? I have just “found” the sport of bike racing in June of 2002 and have tried to learn all I can after seeing Lance reviewing the 2001 TDF in June, and then watching the 2002 Tour on TV. I was so impressed that I almost went out and bought a bike although I am too old and have never ridden one. Now I am concerned about the rest of the USPS team and why I dont see all of them around Roberto in Spain. Hope they are well and Johan is waiting to use them later in the tour.

Ris Kleinschmidt

Michael Barry:

Ris, thanks for your note. I am glad you are following the race and have found a passion for cycling. Thanks for supporting our team. A lot goes on before the TV action starts so many of the team members have done their jobs and are saving their energy for the days to come. Chechu has not been feeling great in the mountains so a lot of the work has been left to Christian. As the race goes on you will start seeing more of the team on the front – especially if Roberto takes the jersey.

Michael.

Second Question:
2. Does Roberto have a web page? I am sure many of his fans or USPS fans would love to congratulate him on his win today and his wins as the Tour progresses through Spain. I know I would and if he does not have online access, I would appreciate if you would pass my congratulation on to him and also on his recent marriage. And a message to keep on winning – he deserves it!

Ris Kleinschmidt

Michael Barry:

I will pass your message on to Roberto. I think his web address is www.robertoheras.com.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day.

Question of the Day:
1. Do you follow your training plan to a “T” or do you sometimes modify it to accommodate your schedule? Or depending how you feel? Do you try to make it up on another day?
2. What is your pre-race meal? And your preparation from the moment you wake-up in the morning?
Regards,
J. P. Amaral
Maple, Ontario

Michael Barry:
Hi Paul,

As far as my training goes I follow a schedule but also make changes depending on the weather, my general feeling and health. I try to make it up if I miss a session due to weather, but if I am tired or sick I will usually just try to get healthy first and then when I feel good start to pick it back up again.

The night before the stage we receive schedules that outline what the following day will look like so we can figure out when we'll wake up, eat and leave for the race. We usually get up and eat straight away – usually three hours prior to the race. I'll eat some protein (eggs or yogurt) and carbohydrate (rice or cereal) along with a banana, toast, almond butter and honey.

We'll kick back in the room for a bit and get ready for the race. There's a team meeting about 40 mins prior to the race in the team bus. Then we get our radios on and hooked up, sign in, maybe have a cup of coffee, and chat before the start.

Michael.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day.

Question of the Day:

Hello, the following is a query for Michael Barry:

I read on your diary on bike.com that the UCI blood vampires came at the beginning of the Tour of Spain. My question is, how many drug tests are there every stage at a race like this? Also, is it only at the start of a stage race where you can expect to meet the “vampires?”

Best of luck, and thanks for taking the time to answer all your fans!

Bella Franco (Hamilton Ontario)

Michael Barry:

Each stage the winner, the yellow jersey and a couple of random riders undergo urine tests. At the start of the stage race all entrants have to do a blood test. The UCI can also show up at the hotel at any time to test us for both blood and urine. Thanks for the well wishes,

Michael.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca (please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive answered and posted each day

Question of the Day:

Hi Michael!

We were talking on the weekend at the back of the Donut Ride and wondered which of your Postal teammates grew up on the toughest club donut ride?
Note: Seriously though, do you miss the Donut Ride? Will we see you again
soon?

Regards,
Donuteer (T. Buckley)
Toronto, ontario

Michael Barry:

Hi Tim,

I think all of the guys have done some solid group rides over the years. I
know Christian {Van de Velde} used to do a ride in Chicago that was similar.
But we both know that nothing comes close to the Donut ride. I mean, where
can you ride with such a good, diverse group of Canadians through Toronto
and then stop for a few mintues to eat pastries at the bakery while sipping
on coffee? The ride has taught me a whole lot about cycling and introduced
me to a lot of my good friends. I hope to join you for a donut again this
fall.

Ciao and have a good ride this weekend, wish I could be there to go for the
King City sprint.

Michael

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist o-n the United States
Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is
michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry
direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish
for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca
(please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address
with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive
answered and posted each day

Question of the Day:

Hey Michael,
What is your favorite pre-race meal? Is there anything special you bring
from home?

Good luck!

Paul Crosby
New Glasgow, NS

Michael Barry:
My favourite pre-race meal was hot oatmeal with raisins and a couple slices of toast with almond butter whipped honey and banana. But now that we have a
chef at the Vuelta with the team I've switched over to rice and an omelette.
I have been putting a little honey in the with rice and egg and I find this
pretty tasty. I start the day off with a glass of fresh orange juice and I'll
also drink a couple of cups of coffee.

For this race I have packed a couple of jars of almond butter and some green
tea myself. Otherwise the team pretty much has everything for us – from fresh
olive oil and parmesan (brought from Italy by our Italian massage therapist)
to a wide selection of cereals and spreads. If I go to a race and know the
coffee is going to be bad I'll bring my own French press and make my own cup of java.
Sometimes my wife Dede slips a little dark chocolate into my suitcase – always good after suffering in the rain for hours.

Michael Barry is a 26-year-old professional cyclist on the United States
Postal Team. This is his first Tour of Spain. His personal web site is
michaelbarry.ca

Pedal is proud to offer an exciting Q & A daily column with Michael Barry
direct from the Vuelta. Pedal readers can forward any questions they wish
for us to ask Barry during the course of the Tour to pedal@passport.ca
(please cc mattsh@hotmail.com). Please include your full name and address
with your email. We will do our best to have all questions that we receive
answered and posted each day