Hello, and welcome to week 3...

Let me apologize in advance for the lack of photos... It's proving difficult to find time for pictures with so much insane stuff going on all the time.  For the past week, things have started to cool down.  I'm getting used to Switzerland, which also means that I'm getting a little homesick.  Monday is my day off - no training, not much of anything until 6:00, when we head to the Sauna for some serious sauna-ing.  Tuesday through Friday during the day looks much the same.  In the morning, I take the train out to Wohlen, where I have German class from 9:45-11:00.  

Kathrin usually picks me up on her way home from work.  In the afternoon, I train on the bike - on Wednesday with the group, on Thursday with Matthias and Fabian (both Merida-Multivan racers) and all other times on my own.  I structure my training around what Beat wants me to be doing.  Tuesday nights, we do weights at the gym, and Friday nights we do cross-training at the training hall.  

This last weekend we were in Zofingen for a Technical Training camp.  Matthias and I showed up on Friday (I got to drive, so fun) just as a meeting of the national team was starting.  On the floor in the room were about 20 brand new Assos duffel-bags loaded with national team gear for 2009, all Assos - arguably the most expensive brand in cycling.  I wanted a bag... bummer. : )  I got to meet the whole junior national team, which consisted of about 15 riders from around Switzerland, as well as the 20 or so other kids that were there.  Saturday morning, we awoke early for a jog, and then came back for Breakfast.  From there, we sat for an hour long presentation on cycling psychology - very interesting, although a lot I didn't understand.  After, we jumped on our bikes for a 3 hour training session in the local rock quarry.  I won't go into much detail... to say the least, it was EXTREMELY technical.  I was overwhelmed at first by the skill of the Swiss, but soon was able to catch on - a little.  The obvious key to their success is technical skill.  

After returning for lunch and showering, we went out again for another 3-hour technical training on the local trails.  Actually, we made most of them, but once again, INSANE.  So technical, and plus it was muddy and snowy everywhere.  It was by far the hardest riding I've ever done.  Over the course of the day, I crashed HARD about 15 times, and the same for everyone else... we're talking bruising, swollen knees and elbows, stitches for one rider, broken bikes, and everything in-between.  

When we came back, dinner was waiting - all the food was spectacular.  Afterwards, we walked about 15 minutes over to the training hall for another 2.5 hours of drills - mostly balance and strength.  Finally, when we were back at the Hostel, I thought we were done... but no, the National Team was all stoked about Carnival in Zofingen, a yearly celebration much like a mix of Mardi Gras and Halloween.  

We were out for over 2 hours that night, walking around, listening to music, eating Swiss food, and drinking Rivella.  As I expected, I got my first taste of the party life with the national team, who seem to have a strong bond.  We headed to the bar for about an hour or so, drinking Rivella - no joke, no alcohol for these guys -  and having a good time.  

From left to right: Unknown, Fabian, Michelle, Tonja's head, Kathrin, Mattias's head, ?, Roger, and Mark.

The food is to die for over here.  Matthias and a hot dog above.  I had my first real Bratwurst... so good.  

Sunday morning, we woke up, same as before, for a jog and breakfast.  Then we headed out to ride some more trails.  This time was not as bad for me, it actually went quite well, although I was not the fastest in the group, that's for sure.  The trails that we built were technical again, but more my kind of riding, so I had a good time racing around with Matthias and the others.  Fewer crashes this time, but more serious... some bruises where there shouldn't be any.  I NEED MUD TIRES, anyone care to send some?  haha.  Came back for lunch, and then a 3-hour "recovery" road ride with the national team.  I was riding Regula's bike, because my fork is once again broken.  How nice...  All in all, it's been a good week, and a great weekend.

I miss Ashley though, and Summit, and Family, and most of all, CHIPOTLE.  haha, just kidding.

More from Spain, will be leaving on Friday...