Michael Barry Racing Saturday in E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
Michael Barry checks in from Belgium to talk about E3 Prijs Vlaanderen.
On Saturday March 27, racers will be lining up to kick off the start of the Flemish week of racing. Canadian Michael Barry of Sky Professional Cycling Team will be leading his team mates along the 210 kilometer route of the E3 Prijs Vlaanderen. This race not only acts as the warm-up for the Tour of Flanders in eight days time but also signals the start of the classic racing season. Starting and ending in Harelbeke, Belgium, the race features a number of challenging climbs among the Kapelberg with 45 kilometers from the end and the Tiegemberg at 17 kilometers before the finish line banner.
Barry, the only Canadian in the race, took a few minutes to sit down and answer some questions:
You’re coming off a big block of racing – how has the body responded to the racing sensations?
I feel good and have recovered well. During the Italian block – Eroica, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan San Remo, I improved through the two weeks of racing and came out stronger.
What will your role be in the race on Saturday?
We have two leaders: Juan Antonio Flecha Giannoni and Edvald Boasson Hagen, who we’ll support and put in a position to win. Several of us have good form and can go deep into the finale.
How do you approach these one day races as opposed to stage races – is the race day preparation the same?
The racing is far more intense in a one day than in a stage race. The cobbled classics are the most stressful races on the calendar as position is crucial, the cobbles hammer the body, and there is a constant fight to be up front. The roads are technical and undulating which makes the racing relentless. So, there is definitely a different vibe within the team as we know the racing is going to intense and the battle will be tough.
Team Sky is making quite a splash this season – this must make for some relaxed team suppers. How is the vibe on the team?
The ambiance is fantastic. We have a good laugh at dinner and in the bus and the mutual respect strong. The mix of young and older riders makes for a nice balance as well.
