Gone Fishing
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Racing, USA Cycling Development Team
Despite what the title of this post might lead you to believe, I am gearing up for my second European stage race in as many weeks. After last week’s hectic arrival into Belgium, and briefly getting settled into the USA Cycling National Development Team’s House located in Izegem, Belgium, I am back on the road. Once again, living out of my duffle bag and messenger bag.
Prior to last week’s Ronde Van Antwerpen 4.6km Prologue, one of the team’s assistants made a great observation; with all the fish-netting that wrapped and covered the abrassions left from my crash during the National Road Championships, perhaps I should go fishing in the local canal. With fishnets holding gauze and Tegaderm over my ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hip, and elbow, I was quite sight on the TT bike. Several of the locals were presumably making inquiry and comments over my plethora of bandages, but not understanding the local language meant that I simply smiled and rolled along. Luckily, after the last week of vigilant care, covering, and washing, most of my skin has begun to grow back, and my bandages have been reduced to just enough to cover the deep abrasion on my right ankle.
Here is a shot of the bandaging on my knee. I took this while riding, so it doesn't quite do justice, but you get the idea. Multiply this times 4, and cover my right side. That is what I was rocking for the first week of my time here.
For me, the Ronde Van Antwerpen was a good immersion into European racing. The team rode together as a unit, and for the first few days, we were high in the GC. Over the final few stages, we did fade a bit, but we all pulled through to take away many positives and many lessons learned. With my “baptism” to European racing complete, I have traveled south with the team to Spain where the Vuelta Zamora begins this evening with a 5km prologue. During the race, the team has many cards to play with a good mix of experienced riders, fast finishers, and some fresh young talent. For me, I am here to learn and progress as a cyclist. My goals and job for the race will be to look after the older riders who will be high in the GC, and to help the team achieve its goals over the next 5 days. Along the way, I hope to have a go in the early break, and if I can help the team to a high finish on Sunday, this week will be a success.
After breakfast this morning, the team got out for a bit on our TT bikes. Along the way, we passed this castle/fortress thing with these statues out front. Couldn't resist getting a picture - looking like a TT Knight? Not sure, but I will fight hard in tonight's prologue.
So far, the team is riding on high moral, and everyone is working well together. For the fast finishes we have Cole House, Daniel Holloway, and Austin Carroll. Chris Butler will likely lead our charge in the mountains, and then Larry Warbasse, myself, and Travis Burandt will be there to fill in the gaps.
This song and music video has swept over the team like a plague. It is good for a laugh, and the beat is certainly a bit catchy. There is also a good chance you could hear anyone of us singing the lyrics on the bike, in our rooms, or even at the dinner table. Wonder what the locals make of our singing…?
Our pre-race meal will be served shortly, and I have a bit of laundry to sort out. Better get to that before tackling tonight’s trip through the pain-cave.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
