Sunday 28 Jan 2007- Solvang USA 07 is upon us. I am writing my first entry of the year and for a while from what was sunny California. I say was because up until today we had perfect weather. That changed and today was wet and bitterly cold. We have all been out here for a few days now and everything is looking good for the upcoming year. We have what looks to be a very strong team. A good mixture of young talent that has already shown that they have what it takes as well as the more established riders who have been there and done that. And with the signing of Ivan Basso we have someone who is capable of winning the Tour. Because although in my estimation we had a good season last year, we did not perform in the big one. And when you have just come off winning it for seven years straight, not coming up with the goods is hard to swallow. We have a number of new riders who look like they are really going to add value to the team. Unfortunately one of them is already out of the game for a while. That's Uros Murn who got hit by a car while training in his home country of Slovenia. He had three bad breaks in his leg sowill be out for along time. As far as myself goes it's not been a very good year so far. On New Year's eve I came down with the flu which meant I had to miss the TT I normally ride on Jan 1st.Then it just would not go away, and basically I was off the bike for three weeks. Not the ideal prep for coming out here and riding with these boys.Last year while here I had to ride a Trek bike that I did not really like so this year I brought my own bike with fast wheels hoping that I could hang in there a bit longer. That has not worked. And today I took a right packet, just look at the state of me in the picture. Still, I just tell myself it's good to suffer from time to time, it makes the times when you are feeling good that much better. Plus, I would not want the riders on the team to think I am going soft. I have a few races lined up this year and am hoping that once I get going I should be go ok. I am also coaching some good riders and I am really looking forward to see how they perform. I am also still doing the day rides and am looking forward to meeting some more interesting people. OK, I wish you all a great 07, I hope it brings you the success you want. Till next time Sean Back

 

Professional cyclist for 15 years
12 Tours de France
Tour de France yellow jersey
Tour de France stage winner
Fifth in Paris-Roubaix
Tour of Belgium winner
UK pro road race champion
UK 25 and 50-mile TT champion