While I definitely enjoyed a much needed break from the bike after my most tumultuous ‘cross season to date and a slow but steady build-up to the start of my season, I’m pretty pumped for my first race and meeting my new teammates. You’d think I’d know just about everyone in the women’s peloton by now, and while I do know most of my teammates by name and face, there are a few that I’ll meet for the first time at camp. I’m looking forward to getting to know the new riders and reconnecting with my returning teammates. This is our fifth year going to Carpinteria for camp. Training with a new crew, staying in such a cool place, and being only steps away from the beach, always makes for a fun camp.
I’m also excited to find my racing legs. While my teammates have been busy lighting it up in Europe, I’ve been toiling away at home – eagerly following their results. Although I get a late(ish) start to racing, once I knock out San Dimas it’s pretty much bam, bam, bam after that – exactly what I’m used to.
In addition to the new teammates, we also welcome a few new sponsors. Fuji and Shimano have joined the Team TIBCO family. I am really digging Di2. It is absolutely top-notch. It works like a gem. Living in Boulder, I’ve had the opportunity to visit my local Shimano showroom and have their mechanics get everything dialed in for me just the way I want it. Who knew bike components could be so customizable?! Love it.
I last rode on Fuji in 2006 and 2007 when I rode for Lipton. The technology has come a long way in the last five years. The custom paint jobs look fantastic, and the bikes ride smoothly. I’m eager to get my hands (and legs!) on my time trial bike at camp. I’ll be putting in extra time trial training this year ahead of the Amgen Tour of California time trial.
In the past two years, we’ve had some huge highlights on Team TIBCO. Megan Guarnier’s win at Redlands and Nationals last season were our biggest results. This year, I’d like to see us consistently find our way onto the top step of the podium. My goal for the team is for us to look back at the season and run out of fingers as we tick off the races we’ve won.
Amid all the change, much stays the same – and that’s the main reason I re-upped for my fifth year with Team TIBCO. I appreciate the continuity from one year to the next. I take personal responsibility for this sense of stability. It’s important for me to be part of building and maintaining a strong women’s program that offers this for those that come after me.
Here’s to another year of road racing and all the adventures that lie ahead!
One Comment
Hi Meredith — I love the image of ticking off races and running out of fingers while doing so. Hope you run out of toes too. Whenever I read your posts, it always strikes me that you seem so incredibly balanced. Wish you lots of luck and a great road season. Thanks for your updates.