October 1, 2006 (Zurich, Switzerland) — Since the professional cycling calendar was shuffled around to accommodate the ProTour, the Championships of Zurich has suffered as the race was moved from August to October. Fall in Switzerland can be colourful and warm, or miserably cold and rainy. Yesterday, we went for an easy spin around the lake which Zurich sits beside. The weather was ideal — Zurich’s streets were pulsating with people shopping and socializing while lakeside one could spot sunbathers and swimmers. Race day was completely different – it rained a cold rain from start to finish and not one of the alpine mountains that provide a picturesque backdrop for the race were visible due to the low lying dark clouds. The crowds didn’t come out to watch the race either, as they had when the race was in August under the glorious sunshine – and who can blame them,

Racing in October under cold rain is not the most motivating either and on the start line you can quickly tell that half of the riders want to be at home watching the race on the couch. Yet, the rain also makes the racing attricious and hard which makes the race exciting to watch as riders easily explode while others attack alone and stay away. When the sun is out and everybody is fit and on form for a big day, the group tends to stay together longer and, from a spectator’s perspective the race is less interesting.

Italy’s Paulo Bettini was on the start line in his new rainbow jersey, riding his new bike and wearing a new helmet and shoes – all adorned with the rainbow stripes. His helmet also the Italian flag and a bit of gold as he is the Italian and Olympic champion. It is unlikey that we will see another rider win all three events any time soon.

The team rode well today and we had a few guys, Stijn and Gusev up front and attacking in the final. I missed a split with one lap to go and my race was quickly over as we were unable to get back to the lead group. In the next couple of weeks the team will have a few more good shots for a victory at Paris Tours, and the Tour of Lombardy-the last two ProTour events.