Thursday, July 1, 2010

Final Preparation

Well it is two days until I depart for my first race in quite some time; 5+ weeks I think. In that time, I have had some good training, great times with Lisa, a brief stint in the US and time to try and relax. It has been fun, but I am excited to get back at it and have another race.

Today I put in one last solid training session in preparation for Tour of Austria. I think it went quite well. I originally planned to do the training yesterday, but opted for a rest day yesterday and the training today. Either way it is about the same and the training was not so violent that I won't be able to recover before Sunday's stage one.

This race is sure to be spectacular. Not only will it be in an amazing place, but the stages are nothing short of leg busters. I haven't memorized the profiles, but I know there are Hors Category mountain top finishes (stage 2&4 I think) and besides those, a few of the other stages have climbs sure to test the will and see who has some fitness. I think the make up of the peleton at this race will be interesting. There shouldn't really be any huge names there given there is some other race going on at the same time... but there are always a few and I am guessing the teams will likely have many of the guys who were on the short list for the Tour de France, but didn't get the bid for it. That means many angry fellas, in peak form looking to prove something: uh oh. All good though because I myself should be arriving in some good form and hopefully throughout the race I will come into it.

Given that I am likely not the general classification guy for our team, I might have some opportunities at his race. Honestly, our team might not really have a set gc guy until after stage 2 with its mountaintop finish which could make big time splits early in the race. With that though, it opens the door for guys who have lost some time to take a stab at some breakaways and other chances. Usually a breakaway is reeled back, but every so often they let it go or some guy who is not so dangerous gets his chance: maybe it can be me! We'll see. I'll do my best to update as I go.

8 comments:

Eric said...

Good Luck and I will be following the race via internet. I am also sure I will be on the phone with your dad during it. If you have time send us a post or two. I know your fans would love it.

Cindy said...

slardStick you nose in there, stay in the front, eat and drink. Mom knows best, you know! Love you and good luck.

Cindy said...

slard? Somehow the verification word got into the comment. Sorry

Shane C. said...

Good luck Matteo!! Have fun.

Phil Cianciola said...

Rock & Roll.
And next year at this time you'll be calling it by it's proper name because you'll be racing in the Tour de France!

--Hip in Tosa

Pmac said...

Give em hell Flip. I'll be following along online.

TimK said...

Good Luck Matthew! Viel Spass im Oestereich!

Slacker said...

Listen for singing in Mountains. Cause you know "the hills are alive with the sound of music" in Austria. Good luck Man