August 25, 2009 (Plouay, France) - We caught up with top Canadian pro Michael Barry (Columbia-HTC) following the GP Ouest France-Plouay ProTour race on Sunday where he placed 24th. Barry is having a solid year and shared his thoughts on his form, missing the Tour de France, the men's ProTour coming to Canada, and his goals for the rest of the rest of the season.
Tell us about the GP Ouest France-Plouay race where you finished 24th.
Michael Barry: The race is a nice circuit race in western France. The course is challenging and the crowds are massive and ebullient. It seems like the heart of French cycling might be in Plouay. The race was controlled from the start as the breakaway was small and the time gap easy for the peloton to manage so the group didn't fracture as much as it has in past years and the race perhaps wasn't as tough as a result.
How did it feel racing with four Canucks on the start line (Dominique Rollin, Ryder Hesjedal and Christian Meier were also at Plouay)?
MB: It is always nice to be in the peloton with other Canadians although we didn't have much time to chat. I don't think there have ever been as many Canadians on top level squads - amazingly, I think there will be four starting the Vuelta - which is what we need to bring the sport to another level in Canada. Hopefully, we will be able to inspire some young kids and cycling in Canada will grow, and prosper.
How are your legs and condition in general these days?
MB: I had great legs yesterday, which I was happy with as it confirmed that my training has been good for the last month. I knew I was fit as my values in training were better than ever. The race wasn't really hard enough for me to use them and the the peloton never blew to pieces. My mistake was that I raced apprehensively as I was unsure of my form after a long break from racing which was frustrating as there isn't anything much worse than finishing a race still feeling fresh with regrets. But, I now have confidence going into the next races - Tour of Missouri, and hopefully the Road Worlds where the course is very tough and I think suits me well, and then the end of season Classics in Italy. I'm confident I will improve with each race and that my schedule will provide me with some good opportunities to perform.
How tough was it not being selected for the Tour de France this year?
MB: I was disappointed as my fitness was very very good. There is nothing worse than sitting at home with good legs and not being able to use them. But, I also understood the situation: the team had 15 strong guys on the list for the Tour which made it difficult for management to pick the team. I likely would have gone with virtually any other team in the peloton but, as in past years, I am on one of the strongest teams in cycling and the roster is stacked. I had done more races early in the year than anybody else (65 after the Dauphine) so they decided to go with riders who might be a little 'fresher'.
The men's ProTour is coming to Canada in 2010 - what are your thoughts and what are you hearing?
MB: It was fantastic to hear this news. I love racing in Canada and haven't been able to do it much in the last ten years. I watched the race in Montreal as a kid and always dreamed of racing it. Now, hopefully, that dream will become reality. Races like these are just what Canadian cycling needs to help the sport grow and prosper. Montreal and Quebec are two of the best cities for good hard circuit races so, if they are promoted well they could be two of the most exciting new events on the calendar.
What's next on your schedule?
MB: The Tour of Missouri, (Road Worlds if I'm selected), and then the five Italian one-day races at the end of the season.
All the best and thanks for taking some time with us.
MB: My pleasure, thanks.
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Photo: TDWsport.com
Michael Barry (Can) Columbia-HTC
Photo: TDWsport.com
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