August 25, 2009

Time Trialing into a Maze

Filed under: On the Road Again — admin @ 2:44 pm

Written by Steven Cozza
August 25, 2009

Today was the last stage of the Tour of Eneco and it was a 13 kilometer time trial. It was one of the most twisting, craziest TTs I have ever done.

I was one of the first riders off and it was still raining, but as the day went on, it dried off. After a whole week of riding the front, I was not about to take any risks at all today. I rode the course super slow, just using it as a recovery day.

The hardest part about the TT was that after the finish, it seemed impossible to find our way back to the buses at the start. It was like several other racers and I had just raced into a crazy maze and needed to find our way out. As we kept getting pointed in different directions, we saw dozens of other racers totally lost too. At one point we actually ended up in a train station! It was pretty funny. I even got back on the race course on accident and was being cheered again by the Dutch fans. Eventualy we spotted the buses at the finish line and made it back. My whole team was laughing and I laughed too when it was their turn and they too all got lost.
This has been a great race for me and my team. I am real glad to be finished with it now heading back across the Atlantic to Greensville for USPRO nationals this coming Sunday. After that, I will go to the Tour of Missouri and then back to Spain. I think I will be really strong from riding the front day after day here this last week.

Off to my airport hotel in Amsterdam…

Steven

August 23, 2009

Filed under: Talk with Steven — admin @ 10:19 am

~Steven

August 22, 2009

Eneco Tour Stage 4: Tyler’s on Fire As The Garmin Boys Ward Off The Attacks

Filed under: On the Road Again,Uncategorized — admin @ 11:57 am

Written by Steven Cozza
August 22, 2009

Today was the hardest day of the Eneco Tour, topping off at 220 kilometers with over 10 climbs from around 1 to 4 kilometers long. Tyler still donned the leader’s jersey, so it was our job to take charge again today. All I got to say is the first hour was absolutely insane!

After 1 hour in true pain of trying to not let anything larger than 5 riders go, 3 guys took off on the first climb. The whole peloton cheered in happiness as the 3 racers disappeared into the distance for their long, painful voyage down a dead-end street. I say dead-end because there was no possible way they were going to stay away from the Garmin boys!

After we gave them about 8 minutes, Whitey ordered over the radios for Tricky Ricky Ricardo and myself to start riding tempo on the front. And tempo it was for nearly the next 100 kilometers. No problem. Haha! We have been doing this everyday here now so have become used to it.

Occasionally someone would say something to me and I wouldn’t and couldn’t respond. I was hurting too much and totally focused on my mission at hand. As we neared 170 kilometers, the break was back to 1:30. We all knew the move and attacks were going to come around 160 k and 180 k because there were 2 big climbs.

Ricardo and I were totally cross-eyed at this point when a group of 5 took off over the climb at 165 k. This was a threatening group and took 30 seconds in the blink of an eye. We were ordered by Whitey to go flat out, full gas, and just kill ourselves during the next 7 kilometers into the big climb. We did and were both proud of our effort.

After we hit that climb and the break was coming back, we both blew up and fell through the peloton like a bag of rocks. With 40 kilometers to go, we found 4 other totally dead riders that we could work with to get to the finish. Immedietly everyone started calculating how much time we could lose to still make the time cut – and that was around 35 minutes.

Then the we rode by a field of fat, healthy, happy nice-looking cows and the conversation suddenly turned to how we would rather be those cows right now. I think I started it… haha. We came up with quite a few reasons why we would rather of been those cows – many of which I can’t write about.

With 10 kilometers to go, we heard on the radio that Tyler had won yet another stage and the hardest one at that. Ricardo and I started yelling with joy and both decided we no longer wanted to be a cow. All our hard work for the day paid off and we couldn’t have been happier at that point for Tyler and oursleves.
Three more great days to go. BRING IT :)
Cozza

 

Garmin-Slipstream, the team of race leader Tyler Farrar, heads the peloton.

Garmin Boys Ward Off Attacks All Day They Lead Peloton.

Photo credit ©www.ispaphoto.com

August 21, 2009

The View’s Better at the Front

Filed under: On the Road Again — admin @ 10:55 am

Written by Steven Cozza
August 21, 2009

Stage 3 ended up being pancake-flat and 157 kilometers. During the first hour, the attacks wouldn’t let up. We were riding the front jumping in anything over 5 riders and bringing it back.

The first 10 kilometers of the race was especially hard for me because my rear wheel was rubbing hard, making an awful loud noise. I knew I needed to help at the front, so I did till I could take it no longer and had to go back to my team car to get a wheel change. I stopped and tried to spin my rear wheel with my hand and it wouldn’t spin – I guess it was rubbing the frame.

After getting a fast wheel change, I killed myself to make it back up to the front and do my job. Finally, after going flat out, a break of 3 riders went up the road and the peloton started yelling, “pisssen, pisssen”, which is exactly what it sounds like and means, “Time out – let’s all be friends and let those 3 guys go up the road.” Once we all went pee and the break had around 2 minutes, Tricky Ricky (Ricardo) and I rode the front for the next 100 kilometers.

We kept the break of 3 under three minutes. I was really glad to be riding the front, especially on this day, because I used to live in the area when racing for the Belgiun team Yawadoo Colba several years ago. It brought back some good memories for me.

As we neared the 14 kilometer finishing circuit, it got crazy and we rode super hard with Svein and two Quick Step guys. Other teams kept trying to come over us, but we fought on keeping the pace really high. My goal was to make it to 8 kilometers to go on the front and I think I made it to 6. I was crossed-eyed at this point and could only say “Good luck, Tyler!” in the sprint as they flew by.

He finished second in the sprint today to Tom Boonen. Later I saw on the TV that Tyler got boxed in by Mark Renshaw and was just flying past Tom Boonen, but the finish line came too soon and Tom won. This happens in sprints and especially in crazy Belgian ones!
After the finish, I went back to the bus and was happy to see an old friend of mine waiting there to say hi. It was a great suprise after a hard day’s work.

August 20, 2009

I Left My Legs on The Muur Today

Filed under: On the Road Again — admin @ 3:28 pm

Written by Steven Cozza
August 20, 2009

The road from Ardooie to Brussels was nothing but pain. Not one inch went by today where I didn’t feel any pain.

Since Tyler was in the leader’s jersey, and by far the fastest sprinter in the race, it was our job to control the race and ride at the front. For the first hour, we had to bring back any break with more than 5 riders in it. A break with more than 5 riders is too hard to control, so we needed to be at the front and ready to pounce when needed.

After about 40 minutes, the perfect break of 5 finally went off and out of sight. I was so happy because at this point I could breathe for a second. After they gained 2 minutes, Huub and I were chosen to ride the front.

There were about 9 solid Flemish climbs in today’s stage – and what I mean by Flemish climbs is that they’re usually under 1 kilometer in length, very steep and narrow and covered in cobbles. To add to the challenge, it was a battle to keep Wiggo and Tyler at the front going into each climb because the other teams kept trying to swarm us. Even though I felt super duper weak today, I am so proud of myself for leaving everything I had on the road.

After 103 kilometers of pulling on the front, The Muur was my last hurrah. This is the most famous cobbled climb in the great Flemish classic Rond Van Vlanderen, AKA: Tour of Flanders. I took it full speed with Wiggo and Tyler on my wheel to keep the sworms of riders behind us. When we hit the devilish climb, I detonated and about halfway up it, my legs felt like they were blown off.

I made it over the top, but for the rest of the race I had to trust that I could keep turning over my legs – I imagine it felt like riding with prosthetics. I really had no more feeling in my lower body. Fortunately, I was with 60 or so other riders experiencing the same feeling.

It just so happened that we rode by one of the largest Belgium bread-making factories. An Euskatel rider and I looked at each other and pointed to our noses, letting out an “awwww” sound. He looked like he needed pastries more than I did – he was like an orange on a toothpick… then again, I’m not far behind.

The best part of the day was crossing the line and hearing that Tyler had won yet another stage. Our team rode so awsome today, leaving every drop of sweat out on the road.

I’m now on the team bus after a nice shower… just thinking of what’s to come in tomorrow’s 200 kilometer+ day. I can do it. I know I can. It’s all for the fans, the kids and my stubborness to never never give up.

Steven

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) sprints to another stage win in Eneco.

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) sprints to another stage win in Eneco.

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) sprints to another stage win stage 2 Eneco.

Photo credit ©www.ispaphoto.com

August 19, 2009

Coach’s Corner

Filed under: Coach's Corner — admin @ 8:52 pm

Testimonial

“I’ve always had proper guidance coming up through the ranks in cycling, from my junior Team Swift days to the USA National Team and now with Pro Tour Team Garmin/Transitions. I believe a coach is a vital key to reaching one’s full potential and to me that’s what its all about – reaching full potential.

My coach, Dario, and I have worked closely year after year to optimize my performance. My goal in cycling has always been to do the best I can, and Dario and his coaching program have helped me to do that. Whole Athlete is unique in that it really does encompass the whole athlete – from personalized training programs, testing, fittings, yoga and much more.

I believe the most important quality in a coach is his or her ability to work closely, sometimes day by day, to achieve the best training possible for the athlete. This is especially crucial because in cycling, along with other sports, an athlete experiences many great ups and many unfortunate downs. Through dedication, intelligence and experience, Dario and Whole Athlete have been able to increase my ups and decrease the amount of time I’m down.

I highly recommend Dario Fredrick as a first-class cycling coach and Dario’s Whole Athlete program. With proper coaching and hard work, you’ll give yourself the best shot at reaching your full potential.”

Steven Cozza, Professional Elite Cyclist
Pro Continental Team, Team NetApp

Dario In Italy

Dario In Italy
Whole Athlete

Whole Athlete

[Coaching Philosophy]
[Darios' Bio]
[About Whole Athlete]
[Contact Information]

 

 

Coaching Philosophy

Our goal is to help athletes become “whole” in their approach to sport, wellness and life. Without optimal health in both body and mind, the athlete cannot reach his or her potential. We encourage balance between athletics and other areas in one’s life and espouse the principles of yoga philosophy in our approach. These principles include non-harming, truthfulness, self-study and dedication.The holistic nature of the Whole Athlete program integrates the essential aspects of optimal performance to help you explore your highest potential.

Dario’s Bio

Dario Fredrick is director of the Whole Athlete Performance Center. He is an exercise physiologist, a national champion cyclist, and has worked with all levels of endurance athletes since 1994. Dario also directs the Whole Athlete Junior Development Team.

Dario created Whole Athlete as a means to integrate the disciplines of exercise science, biomechanics, sport psychology, nutrition and Yoga to help athletes take a holistic approach to achieving optimal performance. He is a Category 1 road and mountain bike racer himself, and a fomer collegiate swimmer & triathlete.

With 15 years of practice and study in the US and in India, Dario teaches Yoga classes at the College of Marin and workshops at Turtle Island Yoga in San Anselmo. He has taught swimming fitness & technique for multiple years, applying specific principles of biomechanics research to developing optimal form. Dario holds a Master’s degree in exercise science, a Bachelor’s in sport psychology, and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

In the area of applied sports science, Dario developed and validated a unique performance test protocol for cyclists. The performance test provides a highly valid measure of one’s training zones using power measurement and heart rate. He is also an expert in bike fitting, combining his experience in cycling, yoga and biomechanics.

About Whole Athlete

Whole Athlete is a comprehensive resource for endurance athletes of all levels. Some of the service provided include:
Coaching (cycling, running, swimming & multisport)
Performance testing
Bike fitting
Pedal stroke analysis
Swim stroke analysis
Running stride analysis
Nutritional analysis
Sport psychology counseling
Yoga workshops & private instruction

Contact information

Whole Athlete Performance Center
7 C Mariposa Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 94960
   (415) 257-8933    office
   (415) 257-8953    fax
contact@wholeathlete.com

Interview with Steven and Coach Dario Fredrick, Winter 2009 from scott cozza on Vimeo.

Fan Club Members

Filed under: Fan Club Members — admin @ 7:03 pm
Name Charity Name & Year Donated Membership Renewal Month Country Total Amount Donated
Cozza “Never Give Up!” T shirt donations 2010 $3. from each Cozza “Never Give Up” T shirt sold will be donated to the Race for Kids Fan Club children’s charities beginning January 2010 Year 2010 Helps Children Gobally Total donations in 2010 from Cozza “Never Give Up” T shirt sales = $415.
NetApp Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA NetApp employees and other attendees made contributions to Steven’s Race for Kids program November 2010 Helps Children Gobally Total donations made from the NetApp Convention was *$323. plus $62. from Steven Cozza = $390 total. This total will be added to the Cozza “Never Give Up” T shirt sales of $415. which = a total of $800.00 that will be given to the 2010 Race for Kids Children’s Charity Recipient (s),selected by Steven Cozza.
Cozza “Never Give Up!” T shirt donations 2011 $2. from each Cozza “Never Give Up” T shirt sold will be donated to the Race for Kids Fan Club children’s charities beginning January 2011 Year 2011 Helps Children Gobally:This money goes to our 2011 Steven Cozza Race for Kids Children’s Charity Recipient, to be named Jan. 2012 Total donations in 2011 Steven’s “Never Give Up!” T Shirt = $0.
Steven Cozza Race for Kids Cycling Coloring Book Contributions $20. or more contributed for each copy of Steven’s cycling coloring book beginning January 2011 Year 2011 Helps Children Gobally:This money goes to our 2011 Steven Cozza Race for Kids Children’s Charity Recipient, to be named Jan. 2012 Total contributions in 2011 from Steven’s cycling coloring book = $350.
Contributions made directly to Steven Cozza’s Race for Kids program beginning January 2011 Year 2011 & 2012 Helps Children Gobally:This money goes to our 2011 Steven Cozza Race for Kids Children’s Charity Recipient, to be named Jan. 2012 Total contributions in 2011 = $675. / Total contributions to date as of June 2012 = $1058.58 went to the Brody Tatman Family Trust 2 yo Brody Tatman’s fight against cancer.
Scott and Jeanette Cozza Aug.’09 Carousel Fund and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Aug.’10 Insti. for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Feb. ’11 Positive Images, Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund Mar. ’12 Aug.’09, ’10, Feb. ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $425.
Ramacciotti Family Carousel Fund, Race for Kids Coloring Book Aug. ’09,’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $135.
Meri and Robert Phelps Families of SMA Aug.’09, ’10, USA $560.
Rich and Pat Lindelli Aug ’09, Families of SMA, Aug ’10 Musclar Dystrophy Association, May ’11 Giro Bello Aug. ’09, ’10, May ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $75.
Marilyn Dolce Davis Stop Hunger Now Aug. ’09, ’10 USA $50.
Steven Cozza ’09 Smile Trian and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ja.’10 Haiti Children’s Fund, Aug.’10 Insti. for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Race for Kids $62 Nov ’10, Go Home Foundation for Ross Dillon $30. Aug.’09, Ja.’10, Aug.’10, Nov. ’10, March ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $222.
Cyndi Chauner-Niendorf Team Swift, Brody Tatman Trust $20. Aug. ’09, ’10, ’12 USA $75.
Jared Vollmer Team Swift, 88Bikes Foundation Sept.’09, ’10 USA $45.
Matthew Johnston Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Sept. ’09, ’10 USA $500.
Brian Purcell Smile Train Sept. ’09, ’10 USA $175.
Carina Daniels Operation Smile and UNICEF ’09, ’10, Oxfam ’11 Oct. ’09,’10, Dec.’09, Feb ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $70.
Brian Berkey Oxfam Dec. ,’09, Feb. ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $70.
Ann Kyser Operation Smile Dec. ’09, ’10 USA $45.
Gene and Enid Berman Carousel Fund, Stop Hunger Now, The Children’s AIDS Fund, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Operation Smile, ’10 – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Brody Tatman – 6/’12 Dec ’09, ’10, ’12 USA $1,750
Ashley & Brett Richard Smile Train, Brody Trust Fund through Handelbar Mustache Apparel $100. Dec. ’09, ’10, ’12 USA $175.
Erik Schnakenberg The Children’s AIDS Fund, 88bikes Dec. ’09, ’10 USA $35.
David Knapp Positive Images, ’11 -Special Olympics Connecticut & Central Asia Insti. Schools in Paskistan & Afghanistan, Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund Mar. ’12 Ja ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $650.
Margita and Rolf Tappe Doctors Without Borders January ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $100.
Layne & Maria Cozza Operation Smile, Smile Train February ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $175.
Wes Crockett Off The Front March ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $600.
Marlina Eckel Smile Train, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Brody Tatman Trust $48.60 March ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $148.60
“Gigi” Christian Miedler Smile Train March ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $100.
Tobi Whaley Off The Front March ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $80.
Jeff Moran Bike Works Seattle March ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $3408.
Jason Herman Great Shape! INC. April ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $89.
“Hal” Liam & Stacey Mulcahy Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital,Dublin April 2010,  ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 Republic of Ireland 1000. Euro = $1,349. US
Joanne Scott Right to Play International May ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 Canada $100.
Bill Cordero Pablove Foundation, Kit Karzen Foundation May ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $100.
Martin Bordson Sponsoring Disabled Child Summer Camp May 2010, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $20.
Tanya Reimers Cure Search for Children’s Cancer, Hunter’s Hope June ’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $400.
Marvin Zauderer Carousel Fund July 2010, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12, Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund Mar. ’12 USA $150.
Johan Van Raemdonck UNICEF,SOS Children’s Villages (Kinderdorfer Weltweit),Human Action (Aktion-Menshe),Race for Kids $25. Sept. ’10, Sept. ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 Germany $474. Euro = $617. US, $234. Euro = $446. US, $25. Race for Kids
Richard Foxall 88bikes Foundation Sept. ’10 England $10.
David & son Matthew Lindelli Haitian Children’s Fund Oct ’10 USA $25.
Michael Woolsey Carousel Fund Oct. ’10 USA $200
Billy Thomas 88bikes Foundation Nov. ’10 USA $10.
Russell Balzan, NetApp *Contributed directly to Race for Kids Nov. ’10 USA *$40.
Sean Gettmann, NetApp *Contributed directly to Race for Kids Nov. ’10 USA *$20.
Matthew Tennyson, NetApp *Contributed directly to Race for Kids Nov. ’10 USA *$5.
Daniel Phaneuf, NetApp *Contributed directly to Race for Kids Nov. ’10 Canada *$20.
Mark & Gayle Brumbaugh Race for Kids, Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund January 2011, Mar. 2012 USA $50.
Will Carlson Pablove Foundation Jan ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $70.
Arlin Case Pablove Foundation Jan ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $25.
Greg Hay Rotary Club of Santa Rosa: Polio Plus Eradication, Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund Mar. ’12 Feb. 2011, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $235.
Matt Smith Boys and Girls Club Feb. 2011, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $50.
Judy & Rob Caudill Race for Kids (Cycling Coloring Book) March 2011, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $100. listed above in coloring book total
Ryan Phetteplace Race for Kids: Cycling Coloring Book April ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $100.
Carol Johnson Race for Kids June ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $150.
Isabella Lakatos Race for Kids June ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $10.
Sharron Bates Race for Kids June ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $100.
Barbara Greene Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund March ’12 USA $50.
Deborah McGeorge Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund Aug. ’09,’10, ’11, Automatic Renewal ’12 USA $50.
Sheryl King & Walter Fant Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund March ’12 USA $20.
Walter Fant Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund March ’12 USA $100.
Sam Pisenti Race for Kids – Brody Tatman Trust Fund Mar. ’12 USA $40.
Whitty Bike Apparel Brody Tatman Trust Fund March ’12 USA $50.
Kim Wik Brody Tatman Trust Fund March ’12 USA $40.

Grand Total since August 2009 thru December 31, 2010 is $10,652. As of 2011, $675. contributed directly to Race for Kids non-profit from members, T-shirt, cycling coloring book(s) + $5,212. from Fan club members to their selected children’s charities so far in 2011. In 2012 to date $1058.58 have been donated directly to Race for Kids non-profit for 2 year old Brody Tatman fighting cancer= $17,707.60 donated to children’s charities throughtout the world since August 2009. This total includes $415. raised from Cozza “Never Give Up” T Shirt sales and *$323. plus another $62 thru June 2012. from Steven = $385. raised by NetApp employees at their Las Vegas Convention Nov. 2010
Race for Kids Fan Club Members globally from 4 countries. We need to reach out to one another across our borders, across our differences to help make the world a safe place for all our children. “Together we care and together we are making a difference in the lives of children who need our help throughout the world. Thanks to you all for your loving spirit and generousity.” – Steven Cozza

Stage 1 Eneco Tour: Every Ounce of My Energy for Tyler and Wiggins

Filed under: On the Road Again — admin @ 5:24 pm

August 19, 2009
Written by Steven Cozza

Today was another great day for Team Garmin. Since Tyler Farrar was 2nd on general classification after the prologue and we new he could take the overall leaders jersey with a stage win, we rode with every ounce of our energy for him.

Today was a flat, fast 185 kilometer day, twisting and turning through the Flemish country-side here in Belgium. The weather was unusually hot today, reaching highs of 31 degrees Celcius. A break of 5 got away after 20 kilometers, so we put our two Dutch strongmen, Huub and Tricky Ricky, in the front rotation with the two Quick Step riders. My job was to stick with Tyler all day and keep him out of the wind and moving him up through the peloton when necessary.

With 4 kilometers to go, we had the plan of riding the front as a team, but with the first stage taking place in Belgium and Tyler’s dominance in sprinting still not fully established, it was a bit too crazy to ride the front. It seemed as though the whole peloton needed to be in the top 10 spots. So we scraped for position as best as we could and CJ took him with 2 kilometers to go.

Tyler won the stage, beating Tom Boonen in 2nd by a whole bike length. Now that we have the leader’s jersey and Tyler is by far the best sprinter in the race, we will ride the front all day tomorrow to defend it the best we can. The other teams will respect us more and the job to stay at the front should be easier.

We are in a great position at this race because we have Tyler for the sprints and Wiggo (Bradley Wiggins) for the overall classification. I truly believe we can acheive both these challenges.

Off to our hotels for a Flemish smorgasbord. :)
Thanks for reading,

Steven

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) sprints to victory unaffected by the crash in the closing metres.

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) sprints to victory unaffected by the crash in the closing metres.

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) sprints to victory unaffected by the crash in the closing metres.

Photo credit ©www.ispaphoto.com

Eneco Tour Here We Come

Filed under: On the Road Again — admin @ 6:16 am

Written by Steven Cozza
August 16, 2009

It’s so weird how we can go from one climate to the next so quickly. One minute we’re amidst the dry heat of Spain and the next in the cool green of northern Europe. I’m now up north in Rotterdam, Holland, getting ready for the start of the Eneco Tour. My teammates and I went out for a nice 1 hour easy ride through and around the bustling city. There are bike paths everywhere here, packed with the young and old riding bikes, enjoying the fresh air.

Tomorrow is the 4.5 kilometer prologue on a fast flat course. If it doesn’t rain on us, it should be a flat-out effort. I really look forward to tomorrow and the rest of this race.

I will post updates as the race goes on.

Thanks for reading,

Steven

August 16, 2009

No Time to Blink

Filed under: On the Road Again — admin @ 11:01 am
August 14, 2009
Written by Steven Cozza

On the open road and running again. I had a meeting with my director, Matt White, and found out my schedule for the next month. I race in the Vattenfall Classic this Sunday in Hamburg, Germany. Straight from there I go to the Eneco tour and then back to the USA for the US Pro Nationals in South Carolina. After Nationals, it’s off to the Tour of Missouri and then back to Girona to tackle the end of the year races in October.

After learning that I was on reserve for the Vuelta de Espana and that my plans changed to doing Missouri, I was bummed… but a race is a race and I am really excited to do Tour of Missouri. This race I have done twice already and just love it. The fans are absolutely incredible there. I also look forward to helping Christian defend his title. I was apart of that last year and enjoyed riding the front day after day, helping to protect his overall lead. 

 
I shaved my mustache at Tour of Missouri last year. Man, do I miss my mustache. I really need to grow that thing back again. I think it gives me special super-human powers or something.

So tonight I pack for another good month of being on the open road. Nothing could be better right now. Day by day…

Thanks for reading,

Steven

 
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