So we’ve arrived in France. The first race that I will do is tomorrow. GP Marsaille, a 120 km race that starts off with about 14 km of climbing before becoming mostly flat. Two days after, starting Wednesday is Etoille de Bessege, which has a stage that goes up the same climb that starts off GP Marsaille. I can’t sleep. I’ve been up since 5:09 which is a bit better than the usual 2AM awakenings I’ve been having. I usually get up around 6:30 or 7 after lying there for five hours to come down to the restaurant and work on my training diary, have a coffee, and send some emails. It’s all Jazz.

The guys here with me are Will Frishkorn, Ryder Hesjedal, Pat McCarty, Blake Caldwell, Dan Martin, and Jason Donald.

Team Mechanic: is Kevin Grove (Bad ass Mechanic w/Attitude) does a good job at directing too when things are chaotic.

Soigneur: Josep Colomer (worked for CSC previously)
Soigneur: Joachim Schoonaker (Worked for Toyota previously)

Team Director: Lionel Marie (Director at Credit Agricole previously)

Weather has been rather warm for this time of year. 50’s but it could snow anytime.

Marsaille has the highest crime rate in the EU, but is quite beautiful. It’s located just off the coast in the early rollers leading to the Alps. Beautiful region.

South France

first ride

Inside our new Truck

Our bags were lost

French Salad