I woke this morning completely wasted after spending most the night with stomach problems. Again, I couldn’t eat breakfast.
My morale was really low. I knew today would be doable, but how was I going to get through the mountains like this? After some serious doubt, I decided all I can do is take it day by day. Pick my battles one by one. Trust me, I’d rather be battling for a stage win, but with the luck that this tour has brought me, I’m just hoping for survival.
I know that I have one day that suits me, and that’s Paris. I know I can do well there, so my goals are set on just getting there to see if I have a chance.
Today, the time trial for me was to get into a pace that felt rideable--something that would allow me to start tomorrow. Hard to tell how hard that would be since I was feeling so bad.
I started the TT very slow and gradually built up speed to a controlled pain. I seemed to find more energy as I went on, so it gave me hope for the next day. Now I'm back at the hotel for some rest, and hopefully I’ll keep some food down.
Tomorrow is another day. And I will deal with it tomorrow.
Freddie
Colombian-born Freddie Rodriguez is a professional American road racing cyclist. He is a three-time US national champion and currently races for team Predictor-Lotto. His nickname, "Fast Freddie," is due to his reputation as a sprint specialist. His Fast Freddie Coffee, the Fast Freddie Foundation, and his new Team Fast Freddie raise funds to support youth cycling in America. Freddie resides in Emeryville, California, USA and Girona, Spain. Freddie is riding this year's Tour and will give us an insider's perspective on life inside the peloton. He welcomes questions and will try to respond during the Tour.
Tour de France
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avivA
We're cheering for you, Freddie! Every day I scour the stage's results for your name to see how you're doing.
The scenery today in the Pyrenees was so beautiful. Do you have the chance to take it in as you're riding through? Or are you totally focused on the road ahead, the work to be done, and "controlling the pain" (what an image)...
On that subject, I watched a documentary last week called "Running On The Sun", about the Badwater ultramarathon through Death Valley in July. In the film, one of the runners-- a Marine-- says, "It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." That's my new motto for when the going gets tough and my body wants to stop.
Freddie, I hate to hear that you are so low. And you've got to eat. But all I want is to see you on the Champs gunning for the sprint in the final stage! Please take care of yourself!