Barry 4x Gold!
The title of this blog post is absolutely correct! I went 4 for4 in the time trials and road races among World Cup1 and 2. I knew my form was good but I had no clue I would win the time trial in Belgium by almost 5 minutes. In 2023 my form was top notch and I was earnings 3rd place medals. Despite not having a couple top H1s present that, are very strong, we had a couple competit0ors that I did not beat last year in the time trials. I am grateful, surprised, happy, etc. My best performance was the time trial in Belgium. I have been training to go as fast as I can for 30 to 40 minutes. The time trial was near 8.5 miles and I did it in a little over 32 minutes averaging 16.6 mph. I was about 95% of the US standard for my category. This was a big improvement from my performance a month earlier in Alabama. All other races went very well. It was really nice to compare my training against other H1s from around the globe The hills in the time trial in Italy were very tough! I only train on mostly flat terrain so it was nerve-racking.
There were many great memories from the 4 races. First, just being outside and riding the trails in Belgium. When the weather is nice in Belgium there are plenty of cycling trails to ride. It is so refreshing as there are many others out riding and it is so bike friendly in the country. Second, I got to start last in each time trial so I got to chase down all the other athletes in my category. I caught them all as well. It kind of felt too good to be true. Third, the cycling in Italy was top notch! Cycling through the small towns, that are so well kept and vibrant, makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Fourth, the accommodations in Italy were absolutely an Italian experience. The small hotel was family-owned, most all meals were made from scratch, it was a small vibrant town, and 100% wheelchair accessible at the hotel. It was definitely about the experience. And lastly, I qualified fir the world championships August 28 to 30 in Ronse, Belgium. I am currently sick with a head cold but after the past 3 weeks I am ok with it. Was set to take a couple days off training upon returning home so 3 or 4 will not affect training.
Other than the above, I’m ready to jump back into training once I’m feeling better. I’m not teaching this summer at the university so more time to focus on training. The biggest barrier will be beating the heat over the next 3 months. It truly is exhausting! I’m going to leave this post here but I hope you are doing great things!!! I need to watch my words more as they can be hurtful.
