April 26, 2007 РThe Amstel Gold race, Fl̬che Wallonne and Li̩ge-Bastogne-Li̩ge are unique races that wrap up the early season spring classics. They are three of the hardest one-day races on the calendar that require a complete rider, that can climb, has power on the flats, fast acceleration, bike handling skills, and acute tactical savvy. Physically, they are also the most demanding of all the races on the calendar where we will burn the most kilojoules (calories).

It is not a surprise that each year the same protagonists animate the races and finish in the top ten – it is a race suited to riders like DiLuca, Rebellin, Bettini, who are one-day specialists with strong teams built around them. In the Ardennes classics there is no hiding and luck plays a smaller role in the race – the strong men are always up front.

I am now sitting in a hotel room, and we are 2/3 of the way through the final week of classics with only the last event to go, Liege-Bastogne-Liege. In Amstel our team rode well and were represented in the front of the peloton until the penultimate climb?sadly, for us, we were unable to follow?likely because we had ridden too aggressively early on?and didn?t have the legs in the final. Fleche turned out similarly and, only in the final two kilometers, our leader, Kim Kirchen, was caught after being in a potent breakaway of four.

I came to Belgium motivated and felt good after a hard week of racing in Pays Basque. My fitness was improving with each race and my legs were turning over better with each kilometer. After a good day in Amstel I was hoping to have an even better day in Fleche?and I was, until I crashed mid-way through the race injuring my shoulder and hitting my head. I continued for another 70 km and then called it a day and headed to the bus to get checked out by the Doctor. Thankfully, I wasn?t too seriously injured and with a couple days of easy riding and rest I should be ready to tackle Liege and then the Tour of Romandy.

The team is working well together which is the platform we need to start achieving the results. With patience, persistence and the right attitude, we will get there.