SICK IN CALI

Tour of California.....well what can i say....it was a great mix of fantastic racing coupled with some of the most painful days of my life. I woke up sick on the day of stage 4....looking at the profile of the day i was initially happy that it didnt look like an overly difficult day. Little did i know that i would turn out to be the worst day of my life. After nearly 8hrs of bone numbing riding i was unable to even undress once i reached the finish. 2hrs in the bathtub and i was finally able to take off my shoes and booties.....the funny thing is, i realise that this sounds like a major exaggeration, but 10 days later i can still not feel the tips of my ring or little finger on my left hand. This is me warming up for the prologue. I look serious, but i got my ass well and truly kicked. It was a strong mans course....and im not a particularly strong man it would seem.

So now im stuck, 10 days later, still recovering from my virus and having been smashed all weekend in the 2nd race of the year in Merced, CA. Ben Jaques-Maybes picked up where he left off last season and wound up on the podium both days. The team did a good job, challenged well by Colavita and Wohlburg.....but we made Rock Racing look stupid, which im sure is every teams major goal all year.

Merced criterium break (thanks to www.roadbikereview.com). You can see me in there if you look carefully.

Ben on the podium. He was on fire, despite suffering the same virus that i have. You just cant hold him down.

So now I have arrived at my base for the year in Lewisville, North Carolina. I cant believe how unbelievable this house im living in is. Keep an eye on this blog over the next few weeks, cause im going to have some introductions to my new pad. Ill do my best to keep some regular posts coming youre way.