March 6, 2003 – Today Michael tackles questions on his own. Be sure to keep sending in questions for Michael or his teammates; despite his heavy race schedule he is keen to answer!

Question 1: Hi Mike,

It has been some time since we have had a Canadian in the spotlight of the Tour. There were some Canadian riders in the 90s, but none that could compare with Steve Bauer. Now that you are riding with the USPS team, is there a chance that you will get to ride le Tour de France? I assume that this year will be dedicated to Lance hoping he becomes a five-time tour winner, and that your opportunities lie ahead. Is there talk about you riding in the Tour two years from now? What better way for Canada to be noticed in the cycling world than to have a Canadian riding with the Tour champions 4 times running… USPS.

Thanks

Hank Verhoeven (Toronto, ON)

Hi Hank,

It is a goal of mine to one day race in the Tour and it would be a dream to race and support Lance in his bid for his 5th victory. But, I also realize that our team has incredible depth and it is a great challenge to make the team. I would be very honoured and happy to help Roberto achieve his second victory in the Vuelta. I am progressing and learning constantly and it is a great experience being on the best team with three of the best cyclists in the world.

Thanks for your question and support,

Michael

Question 2: Hi Michael,

What kind of wattages can pro riders like yourself, or George or Victor put out in a time trial, or on a mountain climb?

Ray Deluse (Montreal, PQ)

Hi Ray,

Power-to-weight is the best way to measure this. If a rider can achieve 6 watts per kilo for a sustained period he'll be in the front, or near the front, on the climbs. or doing well in a time trial. When a rider is winning in the Tour, or a classic, he is well over this level.

Michael

Pedal is offering this exciting Q & A with Michael Barry througout the Vuelta a Murcia. Readers can pose questions to Barry – and his USPS teammates when possible – and we'll do our best get the answers up the next day, along with results of each stage. Please send questions to pedal@passport.ca and cc mattsh@hotmail.com.

Be sure to check out Michael's site at michaelbarry.ca