December 27, 2010 – Since Team Sky launched their regular question and answer feature with Michael Barry last week they’ve had a huge response from fans writing in with all kinds of cycling-related questions. Barry, who is also a Pedal columnist, answered the pick of the bunch from Team Sky’s winter training camp in Majorca, where he put in some hard miles before returning home to his family in Girona for the festive season. We’ve included a few of his Q&A’s below, but you can check out the entire feature on Team Sky’s website here.

Considering this is the end of Team Sky’s first season, how will you be looking to improve the team’s results in 2011? Also, one of my favourite short films of the year was your descent of Port de Balès. Do you have plans for other short films in the future? Thanks for a great year. – Simon Connellan, via TeamSky.com
Michael Barry: Thanks Simon. I’m pleased you enjoyed the film. I’ve got some ideas for different short films so I’ll likely put together a few more of them as soon as the season gets going. The team’s results and performance will surely improve in 2011. The squad has been strengthened and there is more depth in the roster which will surely lift the performance. I think we’ve also learned from the mistakes made last season which is obviously crucial in progression. Now that we are all together at our first training camp, it is evident the team is closer, which should make the biggest difference once we get to the races. Merry Christmas.

Michael, you are true legend. With Jez Hunt on board, will you be given the opportunity to ride for a stage win this year, or is your role too important as road captain? Cheers. – Ronnie Beem, via TeamSky.com
MB: Thanks Ronnie. Jez is extremely experienced and one of the best domestiques in the peloton. He’ll be a big asset to the team, especially in the early season Classics where a veteran’s experience is vital. Overall, we’ll both be there to support the leaders and continue with the roles we’ve had throughout our careers. When there is an opportunity to go for the win, we’ll seize it.

I go out regularly with a group of like-minded cyclists and we are all in our sixties – one guy is an ex pro and another an ex elite. Although I can keep up with them while descending and on the flats, they always drop me on the climbs. Can you provide me with some advice as to how I can climb a little better? Many thanks. – Philip Hurd, via TeamSky.com
MB: Hi Philip, In the hills, power to weight and gauging the effort are key. So, you want to be light but strong (you don’t want to be carrying much fat) and you want to start the climb at a speed that you know you’ll be able to sustain to the top. Otherwise, you just have to dig in and suffer. Best, Michael

Barry will be answering plenty of questions again in the new year – so if there’s anything at all you’d like to ask him then please do so either via the comments section at the bottom of the original article here or by e-mailing website@teamsky.com (please put ‘Michael Barry Q&A’ in the subject line).