Giro D’Italia Preview with Michael Barry

Canadian Michael Barry (Sky Professional Team) is in the last leg of preparation for the Giro D’Italia. This infamous Italian stage race starts on Saturday May 8 with an 8.4 kilometer individual time trial in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and then moves on to a couple more stages in the Netherlands. The 21-day stage race includes some challenging climbs and roads including on the seventh stage when riders race from Carrara to Montalcino over three dirt road sections.

Racing in his fourth Giro D’Italia, Barry tells us about his preparation and thoughts on this famous Grand Tour:

How does it feel knowing you’re going to race in one of the most famous stage races?
Starting Grand Tours is always a great feeling. These are the races I dreamed of riding as a kid so there is some nervous excitement even though I am now a veteran. We have a great group of guys on the team so we should have some fun.
What has your preparation been for the Giro?
Since the cobbled classics I have been home training. I spent many days riding in the mountains and motorpacing. It was important that my body adapt to climbing for long periods as I had done very little of it during the Classics campaign. Otherwise, I tried to enjoy as much time as possible at home with my family.
The Giro is pretty famous for its climbs and the overall intensity – how do you prepare mentally for such racing?
It is difficult to prepare mentally for a three week event–the most important is that I start relaxed, focused and in good shape. Essentially, I break the race down and focus on segments within the three weeks. Somehow, that makes it much more manageable for me.
You’re riding some pretty good form right now – how are you feeling going into this race?
I feel good. I was sick for a week but otherwise I have felt good in training and my physical values are where they need to be.
What will your role be for the team at this race?
I will be there to help our leader Wiggins and the sprinters. So, essentially my role will be similar to what it has been in the past–I will be a domestique working for the leader.
How has your preparation for this stage race changed over the years?
This year I had a week more at home to train in the hills. Last year I rode the Tour of Romandy instead but otherwise the training has been quite similar.

On the Team Sky web site, Barry says, “The Grand Tours are always incredibly tough. The courses can be challenging but what really matters is how the peloton rides over them. A lot of times a stage might look really easy on paper but ends up being incredibly hard. And then sometimes when the route looks really, really hard the peloton tends to be a bit more apprehensive. It just depends on the situation of the peloton and the race dynamic.”

About his team, Barry says, “I think the team looks really good. I know Bradley’s fitness is great right now and that he’s motivated to do some nice rides, especially in the first part of the Giro.

“We have some solid sprinters as well. I’m pretty sure we can win some stages with them. Overall it’s quite a similar team to the one Columbia went to the Giro with last year – some quick sprinters and others who can climb really well and do well in the intermediate stages. I think the biggest thing is that we have our tactics sketched out well and a good plan for each day.

“The Giro is on a different level. It’s going to be a whole lot of fun. All the riders are excited about it and I hope the fans are too.”