Reflecting on Europe

So, while there may not have been any bands playing, streamers flying or confetti in the air to welcome us home as we got off the plane in Toronto I still consider our trip to Europe a resounding success. Expectations were high when we left - last time we were in Europe we won a stage in each of the GP Ringerike and the RAS - and the guys were all primed for a hard three weeks.

In each of the races we did we factored into the racing in a significant way; the results sheet doesn't always show what really happened out on the course. It was in Belgium that things really started to come together, especially with Zach's two second places. Best of all was that the first of these was really a team effort, we all contributed to the result in some way and that is the sign of a professional outfit. From there to the end of the RAS the team rode to the front of the races.

Zach showed on this trip that he has what it takes to ride competitively on the road. With a good turn of speed and a superb sprint he's a danger in any break. And in Ireland made the break of the day on two stages, not an easy thing to do.

Buck came through with a ride in Ireland that shows that he is finally starting to come into his own, finally starting to ride like his supporters know he can. His fifth place on one of the toughest days and his ride in the Wicklow mountains opened his eyes to the possibily that in the future he could in fact go to the RAS and ride for a spot at the front of the GC. At last the hard work is starting to pay off.

Mark made some great moves as well during the RAS. He too got into some good attacks, doing his part in the team's strategy to animate the racing. Mark is one of those young guys that you can see has the talent to go somewhere and racing like we just did in Europe will take him to the next level.

For myself, I was a little disappointed with how I rode - some days I was good and some terrible - still, it's early in the year for me. It's just a few weeks ago that I finished up exams and there is a whole lot of racing to come. Throughout the summer we are going to be at big races and somewhere along the line the form will come.

Lastly, gotta say thanks to Dave Butler (our manager for those who don't know) for putting together a great trip and to Letti, Ronan and Neil for coming out and helping us in Ireland. Really, without their support we would be in a heap of trouble.

I'm already dreaming about next season. I can't wait to go back and ride in the rain on the Emerald Isle, hit the cobbles in Belgium and grovel on my knees up to the hilltop cathedral in Lincoln. Man, racing is awesome!