Fitchburg-lonsjo classic 2003, USA  26 – 29 June 2003

The day after finishing the Nature Valley Grand Prix stage race in Minneapolis, I packed my bike and flew to Boston.  I first met the Moran family in 2001, when I embarked on a 6 week visit to the USA.  I was now looking forward to visiting them for the third year in a row, with a two week stay planned for this year.

Coming in a week earlier than usual was great.  Not only was it a time to recharge the batteries and relax, but I helped celebrate Eamon Moran’s graduation party, I helped eat plenty of calamari at Greg Moran’s 49^th birthday and I squeezed in a live radio talk back show as well as an hour long TV interview.

My five TDS team mates found their way to the ‘Aubuchon camp’ the following week and after an afternoon of visiting TDS offices, we relaxed by the lake and planned our assault on the Fitchburg-lonsjo classic.  The Moran’s summer house, known to all as ‘camp’ is a huge rustic house, situated 2 miles out of Fitchburg.  The house is nestled by a lake, with a boat at the jetty, a few hammocks waiting for us, and a fridge bursting with food.  It had everything we could possibly wish for.

Stage 1 – Royal Plaza Time Trial, Fitchburg, 12km

Our first stage was a 12km time trial over a relatively flat course but with the temperature reaching 105F (35C), I found it very difficult to push hard.  Sarah Ulmer, our kiwi rider, had no trouble at all and she hammered off the line at a blistering pace.  She flew around the course in 18mins 22sec setting the fastest time of the day and convincingly taking the leaders jersey, ahead of Jessica Phillips and Katie Mactier (Saturn).  Christine White (TDS) also rode strongly and finished 16^th overall.  After the stage, Sarah laughed as she confessed to us, her winning warm up strategy – lying in the air-conditioned hotel with her feet up!!

That night, we ate a magnificent feast prepared by the Moran’s at camp and planned our strategy to defend the leaders jersey.