!http://www.active.com/images/newsletters/cyclist/TourdeFrance2007/images/fredrod.jpg|style=padding:10px;|align=left|src=http://www.active.com/images/newsletters/cyclist/TourdeFrance2007/images/fredrod.jpg!I've been reading over some of my blogs for the last two weeks. Man, has it been a rough two weeks. Wish I could have given you guys another perspective of the Tour, but this is my reality right now. So I hope you guys like the fact that I've been real with the blogs, and that I’m giving you my true feelings as I’m going through them.

One good thing about all of this is that there is always a chance to fight another day.

For all of the bad moments I have had in my career, I’ve had some amazing moments as well. So when I sit here and beat myself into the ground just trying to survive, I am dreaming of that next victory. I think that is what keeps us all going for it again.

So, I guess if I can give my readers something to take from my stories, it’s that we all have to find our passion and fight for it. But remember that life is more than just that passion, so look around and try to enjoy the simple things.

Back to racing...

I managed to survive yesterday’s race with a real bad stomach. Don't ask me how. I think I really went deep mentally, because physically I was empty.

I woke up with the same bad stomach this morning. This will be my chance to fight again and hang on.

Wish me luck.

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.