March 7, 2003 – After a disappointing ride on the previous mountain-top finish USPS's Victor Hugo Peña (the defending champion of the Vuelta a Murcia) has taken the stage and moved himself back into contention. For the rest of the USPS squad however, things did not fare as well. Due to illness, George Hincapie, David Zabriskie and Canada's Michael Barry decided to pack it in after the first climb and helping Pena as much they could, and also conserving energy because they're all sick. With tomorrow's TT only relevant to those in GC contention (and USPS's Lance Armstrong, eager to test his TT legs), many other riders climbed off their bikes halfway through the race.
Here's Barry's report:
Hi Pedal,
I woke up this morning feeling lousy after coughing all night. I think the climbs yesterday did in my lungs again and I am feeling the cold I had last week. Victor was the opposite. He has been feeling great the last few days and very motivated after being disappointed with his result on the first climbing day. Yesterday he had an awesome ride and was caught right near the finish.
The racing today started from the gun and we were lined out in the gutter for the first 70k, right up until we hit the first climb. The pace never relented the rest of the way. Dave Zabriskie, George and I all called it a day after the first climb. There was nothing else we could do for Victor and we are all feeling sick and don't have much energy or power on the climbs.
Up the last climb of the day Victor attacked several times. Kelme had few riders left to protect their leader and there was nobody left to chase. Victor was definitely one of the strongest guys on a very hard day. Lance finished and commented that it was a very big calorie consumption day. The results will reflect this as the peloton was splintered into many small groups with most of the guys grovelling across the line.
Victor is happy and has been on the phone to Colombia all night. It's great to see him so happy. Tomorrow is the TT so he should have a good run at the overall victory as he can ride very well against the clock.
Michael
For more, check out Michael's site at michaelbarry.ca