The other Europe?

So I've had the luck to travel all around the world to race my bike. I've pedaled in anger on the roads of numerous countries of Europe, spent two full days travelling to do a stage race in New Zealand, visited the French Department of America's hat for the Tour de L'abitibi, and of course hit up many of the States of this Union to pin the numbers on. Now, I've even had the chance to hit up South America. In Uruguay I found surprisingly European style racing, with TV coverage, huge crowds, talented riders, and excellent racing. It's not that surprising when you consider cycling is the 2nd largest sport in many South American Countries, on a continent where the might of Soccer will never be toppled.

Now Chemstar p/b United Healthcare has another chance to compete in South America. Myself, Coulton Hartrich, Shane Braley and possibly one or two other riders are heading to Colombia, where we'll trade the windswept plains of Uruguay for beautiful (and tough) mountains. Having heard stories of the racing in those parts I expect it be absolutely brutal, but another great adventure.

Uruguay

Sorry I'm a little late on a Uruguay post. The race was a great experience and a great way to start the season. Results weren't so hot due to some bad luck and lack of racing form but I had a realy great time. HEre's some pictures to make up for lack of details.

David Guttenplan

So since my roommate wrote about me in his blog (http://theguttman.blogspot.com) I agreed to mention him in my next blog. Instead, I decided to one up him and make an entire blog post dedicated to The Gutt. Let's start with a list of things you should know about the Gutt.

-His nickname comes from the fact that he can eat a ridiculous amount of food, and gets quite gut for a little guy from doing it.
-He has some absolutely ridiculous chops (see photo below).

-David flatted yesterday but still hasn't changed it, and now he has 35 minutes to eat breakfast and be ready for the ride.
-He won't be ready for the ride, because despite being a nice guy, is generally frantic and running late a lot.
-He's happy because one of his coaching clients just won a race.
-He pretty much talks nonstop which is ok because most of what he says is pretty ridiculous.
-David was a world class juggler and yo-yoer in his elementary and middle school days.
-David hates time trials and climbing, but can win lots of bike races with his combination of sprint, sneakiness, and sweet chops.

It's like that yall

And bam, just like that, I've been to South America.

Curtis and I hopped in the car at 6 am Friday and drove ourselves south, south, south, all the way to Miami. There we parked at our bosses house, and were given a ride to the airport by our friend and sponsor Fernando (please check http://daniale.com/).

A nine hour flight took us to Santiago, Chile. I slept the majority of the flight, and some of the next flight too, a 2.5 hour trip from Santiago to Montevideo. All in all it was probably the smoothest travel day I've ever had.

Now we're at the Hotel in Montevideo, which is actually quite nice. The cit is beautiful and we got in a short ride along the beach. We also had some of the steak that Uruguay and Argentina are famous for, and it was excellent.

Now we have a few more days until racing starts and life goes full-gas.