It’s sleeting and cold in Mol at 9 pm. I hope it becomes an epic day tomorrow. Mainly for mental focus. It’s easier for me to focus when the conditions demand it.

This trip hasn’t been my favorite bike race trip. Not even close. But, no matter how it turns out tomorrow, it is still really great. Usually I would pay to do what I do, but this trip might be something approaching work, if that makes any sense.

I don’t get that much satisfaction usually racing Master’s events. It’s closer to a relief than excitement when it’s over. I would much rather be just starting the World Cup in Hoogerheide, than win the race tomorrow. But, that is just the way I am.

That being said, I still would not trade where I’m at now for nearly anything. It’s the ride and not the destination that matters. I have to try to remember that at times like this.

A pile of stuff going into the new BMC Team bus. Notice two of the items are wine coolers. My kind of bus.

I haven’t seen cigarette machines around for awhile.

Europe is generally super expensive. This would cost about a dollar in the US. This is close to
10 dollars here.

All the Interstate-type highways are lite here, natiowide. . This must take a ton of electricity.

It’s right at freezing and drizzling. The course is wet. I feel okay, but haven’t ridden yet. I rode by registration at 8 am and there was already a line formed. Lots of Americans there already. I had heard they open early, so I stayed and waited. Entry is so easy here. 15 Euro and your license. 1 minute. Getting dressed to go ride the course the races start at 9:30.

This is my number. I told them to give it out to last year’s winner, but they gave it to me anyway. It seems wrong, but I like 1’s. (We’re stayin in Cabin 11.)