March 4, 2003 – Here's what Michael Barry reported afterafter the first Stage of the Vuelta a Murcia, plus we have our first question from a Pedal reader.
Hi Pedal,
Today's race was controlled for the most part by the sprinter's teams. Several attacks were launched right after the start but nothing stayed away. We cruised in a stiff headwind for much of the day so the racing was fairly uneventful. Victor (Hugo Pena Grisales) has won this race in the past so we are trying to keep him protected and out of trouble so that he can get to the mountains and TT as fresh as possible. I am feeling a little sluggish as a result of a cold I caught before the last day in Algarve. But I'm much better than I was last week and can only improve.
Michael Barry/USPS Pedal
Q & A:
Hi Michael,
You've had quite a few break-through performances/moments throughout your career: 2nd at Canadian Nationals in your second year as a senior; 8th at Espoir Worlds (1996); 2nd at San Fran (2001); and signing with USPS. Which do you personally consider was your biggest accomplishment and also which do you think was the most significant as far as increasing your profile (getting noticed)?
Bryan Rusche, Toronto, Ontario
Michael Barry:
Bryan,
Good to hear from you. This is a tough question as it's really been a step by step process. I have never really thought too much about having to win races or get results to climb to the next level. I simply go to each race trying to be the best I can.
I think with each result and performance, I have gained confidence in my abilities. In 1996, I realized I could be competitive and thought, 'yes, I can make a career out of this'. Also, each result has brought me to a different level – from provincial, to national, to international recognition.
Riders can get good results on single days but the most important thing, in my view, is that they are able to repeat the performances and show their strength on challenging courses. When a rider races hard and is consistent, improvements will be made and the results and contracts will follow.
Personally, with each step, each performance, the bar is raised, and then I feel I can go out and do better the next time around.
I read you were racing again. Nice. Thanks for all the good times when we raced together as juniors. Those are good memories….
All the best and take good care,
Michael.
Pedal will be offering an exciting Q & A with Barry througout this race. Once again 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
For more on Michael, check out michaelbarry.ca