An Emotional May
The title of this blog may be a bit confusing but May was a very difficult month in reference to my performances in Europe. I went in knowing top 5 performances were very realistic. Top 4 were even realistic for Belgium. Leading up to departure for Belgium I was not allowed to even check-in at the ticket counter. I was not aware that 3 months was needed on my passport before expiration upon return to the states for both Belgium and Italy. Luckily, after some panic, I was able to get immediate renewal the next day after traveling down to Tucson followed by a red-eye to London and then to Brussels. The next problem I would run into though was that my bike did not arrive in Brussels for 24 hours after I did. At least they delivered the bike to the hotel late the evening before my first event. I was already a bit fatigued so these events did not help. I pulled off a 6th place in the time trial, minutes slower than what I am capable of, and took 5th in the road race. I wad a bit deflated. In Maniago, Italy my worst performance was in the time trial taking 9th. I have no clue why I rode so slow. My typical power numbers should have put me in 4th or 5th, getting me important points towards Paris. At least I took 5th the next day in the road race on a more difficult course. My category only got partial points for the road races. I needed that time trial in Italy to be so much better. Not to complain too much but it is difficult when performances do ot match your capabilities. Immediately upon returning home I was sick for 6 days as well.
Ok, onto what is next. The Loma Linda time trial is on July 7th. This is the last chance to qualify for Paris. I want to be positive and upbeat but it is not easy. I am feeling much better and back to training after the events described in the previous paragraph, but as I see it I have a couple ways to qualify. First, I pull off the ride of my life. This is possible but the standard set this year is ridiculous. Still going to try though. Second, my category gets ring-fenced. Third, I get discretionary selection. discretionary may go to a H3 or 4 though. And lastly, there is bipartite selection. I may not have the qualifications or this last selection but I am a world’s medalist and appeared on the podium more than any other hand cyclist from the US men over the past year. As you can see there is a lot going on. It can be tough to stay focused.
