The Lion Roars Again

How Tough Are You?

We have all crashed at some point either racing or training. And with the exception of broken collarbones, most of just just manage to lose some skin. We have also seen or even been that guy that finishes the race with blood streaming from an open knee or elbow. Let me introduce you to quite possibly the toughest PRO of 2008, Linus Gerdeman from High Road. During the ITT at last weeks Tirreno-Adriatico Linus crashed hard. Sure, he was bloody and a little dazed, but he climbed back on a new bike and finished the stage. Upon crossing the finish line, Linus collapsed where he was attented to by medical personnel. Turns out he had more than a few cuts and scrapes, he actually broke his femur in 2 places, as well as torn ligaments in his knee! He was flow to a hospital in Germany where he underwent surgery. Here is the best part though, he plans on being ready for the Tour in July, now how tough is that?

WWBD?

What Would Boonen Do? 43 degrees, rain, and an hour and a half to spare. You better believe I got out there for a ride! I even threw in a few sectors of pave' for good measure. Not to mention a little embrocation goes a long way. Tomorrow the plan calls for three to four hours in the hills at a moderate tempo. Trying to squeeze in 300 miles before Hillsboro wherever I can.

Real Hardmen Wear Argyle

Christian Vande Velde leading the chase at the 2008 Paris-Nice Stage 1. Today's stage was so brutal, that organizers shortened the race by 110 kilometers! With temperatures in the 40's, hail, rain, and a touch of snow and winds gusting up to 40mph just finishing the day was a test. At least we aren't the only ones suffering this time of year.

You Know Its The St. Patricks Day Parade When...

On your your morning ride a car pulls along side of you, rolls down its window, and the passenger offers you a can of beer at 8:45 in the morning! You gotta love St. Patricks Day on the South Side!

Matteson "The Helpful Place"

The Tuesday Night Race series will resume on April 8th and run through Sept 23rd. There is no other place in Chicagoland where you have a better environment to learn how to go fast and turn right that at Matteson. You owe it to yourself to make as many Tuesdays as possible. You are almost guaranteed to be a better racer because of it. Besides, it is in our own backyard. If you have to just tell the wife that you will be "working late at the office" all summer. It is true, you just didn't specify what kind of work, and which office.

Words Of Wisdom

"If you have the chance to take a win, you can't let it slip away"-Phillipe Gilbert

If you want to know what it takes to be a "hardman" take a look at Saturdays Omloops Het Volk in Belgium. Gilbert was the definition of a hardman on Saturday after he launched an attack with 60kms to go on the Eikenberg. Gilbert joined Eddy Merckx and Johan Musseuw as only the only rider to win the race twice. He also made a move that would make the Cannibal proud, launching himself with more than 37 miles to the finish. Apparently no one else thought it would work either! Gilbert managed a blistering 31mph average over the last several sections of pave' to hold on for the solo win. Glory through suffering...you better believe it!