March 11, 2006 – Pedal caught up with Discovery’s Michael Barry currently racing at Tirreno-Adriatico for a short interview.

How was racing at the Tour of California? The team had a good ride, and so did you, working hard for George Hincapie, etc. How did the legs feel?

MB: The Tour of California was a great race and super well-organized. It was a nice route, the racing was aggressive, we stayed in good hotels and had nice weather. We couldn’t have asked for a better event to start the year off with. I felt good. I had done a good block of training before, so I was perhaps a little tired going into the race, but overall I felt powerful and was happy with how the race went. George’s two victories were two great team wins. He has a lot of confidence now and is turning into a good leader. I was able to give him a couple of good lead outs which motivated us both for the coming races.

You’re racing at Tirreno-Adriatico right now. What’s your role there?

MB : We are all actually feeling a little under weather as we haven’t recovered fully from the jetlag, and are battling colds. We get better each day, which is a trend that I hope continues, and we’re hoping to come out of here with some good fitness for the upcoming classics. Each day essentially feels like a 5-hour motorpacing session. My role on the team is to help out George and Tom each day as they are trying for good placements overall.

How is the team adjusting to the absence of Armstrong? Is he still involved with team operations or just ownership?

MB: He has been involved a little and I know Johan [Bruyneel] speaks with him often about what’s going on with the team. We are adjusting well and the team ambiance this year is really good. The natural leaders are coming to the fore.

What are some of your goals this year?

MB: First, the Classics, then the Giro and then, I would love to do the Tour. We’ll see – it will be a busy spring and I will take each step, one at a time.

How was your first Christmas with your wife Dede and your new son Liam?

MB: It was my best Christmas ever. My parents, Dede’s mom and sister were all there which made it all the more memorable.

How is your book “Inside the Postal Bus” doing?

MB: Really well. It is has gone through several printings and has left me motivated to write another. Actually, Dede and I did write another book with a friend, Shannon Sovndal, who is an ER doctor. It’s a training book titled Cycling Fitness, published by Human Kinetics, and will be on the shelves this June.