After being sidelined last week with a throat infection I feel like my body is finally getting things sorted out.  The forced break has come at an opportune time.  With a big block of racing already under my belt a little rest has done my body and mind some good.  It is also Courtney’s last week here in Europe, so we have been able to enjoy our time together.  At least I have, since she has basically been taking care of my every need while I have laid around the house this past week.  I wouldn’t be surprised if she is ready to get back to the US and take a break!  But we have had a great time regardless.

It has also been nice to sit back and watch some of the racing action this week, with Flanders and Roubaix taking place.  There is no better way to get motivated for my races ahead than by watching these guys battle each other over the cobbles.  I really have an awesome couple of months ahead of me.  The Ardennes week is fast approaching.   I will be racing in all three, Amstel Gold, Fleche Wallone and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.  These are three of the biggest and most exciting races of the year for me.  The crowds and the courses make this week special.  Then it is off to northern Italy where I will check out the courses of the last week of this year’s Giro d’Italia.  A close friend of mine, Brendan Quirk, will be joining me in the Dolomites for a great week of training.  Then it is the Giro itself.  My first Grand Tour, I am not sure what else you can say about that!  As always in life, there is much to look forward to.