This week as absolutely flown by.  I brought all of these books, thinking that I would be bored out of my mind, but there has always been something to do to keep busy.  Thursday night Columbia-HTC had a team get-together so that all of us racing the Worlds could meet the new guys.  I think it was a good success.  Everyone is really friendly and I think they will all bring something great to the team.  Along with getting to know them we had a great dinner at what seemed like a farm house to me.  In Italy, those are usually where you find the best food, and you really eat “family” style, with endless wine and course after course being brought to the table.  I enjoyed that atmosphere very much, and I could have sat there all night.

Each day on the bike has been very enjoyable as well.  There is just nothing better than riding around the lake here.  It has taken some time to get my legs feeling normal again after the travel, but today I finally felt great, and I think I will be ready for the race tomorrow.

I have watched the women and the U23 race, and if those are any indicator it is going to be an epic day.  I feel that people are just going to start cracking as the race progresses.  My pick is Fabian Cancellara.  I know he is mainly known for his TTs, but the guy can get over some hills too, if you remember,  he did win the Tour of Swiss this year and 3rd at the Olympics last year.  I saw him twice yesterday out training (I think he somehow lapped me on the circuit) and he is super lean.