August 19, 2008 (Beijing, China) – During the long cycling season we race between seventy and one hundred days but there are only a few events that are unique, taking us out of our routine and putting the sport in the international spotlight. Along with the Tour, Giro, Vuelta and Worlds, the Olympics are at the pinnacle.

Racing in the Canadian colours takes me back to my youth. As a junior I was proud of my first maple leaf jersey: blue and red with white sleeves, I wore it at the World trials in Quebec City. The jerseys I have from each event and each season are tucked away in my closet or on the wall of my father’s bike shop. Each one has a memory of a special moment, in a race that marked my career and changed me as a cyclist.

In Beijing we had jerseys that the other teams were fond of, or jealous of, as they were clean yet unique with Chinese characters. My Olympic jersey, still with the numbers on the pockets, will be a great souvenir of an epic race in a unique spot of the World. In the days prior to the race Ryder Hesjedahl, Svein Tuft and I spent every moment together whether it was in the dining area, the dorms, or on our bikes. In those four days we relaxed, bonded and had fun. The spirit put us in a good spot for the race, where I am proud of how we performed, as individuals for each other, for the team and for Canada. When I look at the jersey now I already think back to the moments we spent together, the moment I crossed the finish line, and the moment I saw my teammates finishing. Each one of us was empty, wasted from the race, and it was evident we had all given ourselves to the goal.

Svein’s ride in the time trial (7th place), a few days after the road race was no surprise. In the road race he was consistently strong during the bulk of the race staying with the main group much longer than most of the top European professionals. To have that kind of endurance and strength on a tough, hilly course is remarkable for someone coming from racing in North America where the races are shorter and rarely as hilly. A true hard man with great abilities against the clock, Svein had the form to ride a time trial that would turn heads.

Ten days have passed since the Olympic Road Race and I am home again training for the next objectives. In the coming weeks I will race in Varese Italy, Plouay France, Ireland and Missouri. I feel confident and motivated to perform. In San Sebastian I felt I had the legs to race in the front and from there I carried them to Beijing where I was in the finale with the best.

In Girona there are only a half dozen cyclists left in town. We still meet up to train together, keeping each other motivated, sharp and in shape. Spain continues to be uncomfortably hot although the sun is now beating down for fewer hours in the day making the mornings a little cooler. The empty farmers’ fields forecast the changing seasons as crops have been harvested. Soon enough the grapes will be picked and the final autumn races of the season will be here.

With the Road Worlds a month away I hope to again wear Canada’s National team jersey and to be there in the finale. Somehow, these races lift me, whether it is the circuit, the ambiance, the difficulty, the distance, or everything combined.