Home, Sweet Home

The last day of Portugal was fitting. 38k time trial, turns, off-camber sections, narrows, and of course, rain. The problem with this we discovered, is that the roads in this country absorb more oil, gas, and slick stuff, than you might find anywhere else. We were laughing because the roads are like ice even when it is sunny. Pretty trecherous conditions, especially at the end of a ten day stage race. My spectacular GC position, over 90 minutes down, allowed me to be the first guy from our team off. I went into it with a ride hard mentality whenever I wasn't turning...It worked out well, I finished just over four minutes down and 40th position, my best finish all week, averaged 395 watts for 54 minutes. I was pleased with the result because I was cautious the whole race and not especially concerned with my finish, I figure I could take off a generous minute if I was really going for it. No matter, I am very happy with how the whole race went: Weak at first, then getting stronger and finishing well. I figure that it doesn't get much harder than this ANYWHERE. So that is good. Now I am home, wonderful, relaxing, home. Hanging out with Kristin, the dogs, easy rides, unbelieveable form, Nationals in a couple of weeks.....Ahhhhhhh. Props to Garcia with his top ten on the Beijing course, good ride.