Michael Barry: The Tour is “Something really special”

Sitting 93rd overall, Team Sky rider Michael Barry said he’s settling into this year’s race and is enjoying th experience. The Toronto native checked in with Canadian Cycling Magazine this week with a few thoughts on how his Tour is going.

Generally how are you feeling about how the race is progressing for you?

“Overall, I feel good and have been recovering well although I have some road rash on my bum from a crash on the second day which has made sitting in the saddle very uncomfortable. The team is riding well and the morale is good which is making the experience enjoyable.”

 Just how much different is this race from the other Grand Tours and big races you’ve done over the years?

“The biggest difference is the attention the race gets. The stakes are higher so the peloton is a little more chaotic as riders are nervous. In the end, the actual racing isn’t that much different from the Giro.”

Is it what you expected the Tour to be?

“The crowds are more than I expected. Seeing them on TV doesn’t capture the intensity of their emotion. That’s something really special.”

 I understand your parents are there with you? How happy are you to share this experience with them?

“Yes, they’re here and have been enjoying the race. I am so pleased they were able to come over. I spent a good few hours with them on the rest day, which was great. My parents were at all of the races when I was a kid so it is neat to see them at the roadside again.”