Giro Talk with Michael Barry

The Giro d’Italia is in its third and final week of racing. This year this demanding stage race has had its share of excitement with some intensely challenging stages, the general classification flip-flops, and the fantastic crowd support. Canadian Michael Barry is racing this stage race with Team Sky, working for his teammates, digging in with some amazing work driving breaks and chases from the front of the peloton.

Barry answered a few questions for us after today’s stage:
How is the racing going for you?
It has been good. I have been recovering fairly well and my morale is still good despite a couple of long hard weeks of racing.
What is the team mood like in this last week of the Giro?
Everybody is still in good spirits and we are motivated to win a stage although, we are now counting the days until the end which is normal–and common in every team– after being on the road racing hard for nearly a month.
The crowds were pretty intense on yesterday’s TT stage – what is like to race in front of such a level of passion and excitement?
The crowds since the start in the Netherlands have been incredible and it seems they only swell as the race progresses. Racing in front of so many fervent fans is inspiring. The Italians love cycling and this race is a celebration on every level and their enthusiasm often gives me goosebumps as I race by. The courses have been fantastic as well–they have kept the race interesting and have created a true spectacle.
How are you feeling in this last week of the Giro?
I feel quite good although I am obviously tired and am missing my family. We all have some aches and pains but that is normal with so many hours spent sitting on a bike.
Do you find yourself riding stronger at the end of the race or is the racing fatigue starting to show up?
A little of both actually. I know I am a lot stronger now than I was 2 weeks ago although my muscles feel fatigued from the efforts. I don’t think any riders feel fresh at this point in the race. From experience, I know that with a week of rest I will rebound to another level of fitness.
How will you recharge after this stage race?
I will rest and relax at home with my family. What I miss most is playing with our boys in the garden, relaxing with my wife, and enjoying spring bbq’s. I will also enjoy a few easy rides with my wife.