The TOC of California is finally over and it was a successful Tour for the team.  Ben Jacques-Maynes rode awesome holding 3rd overall for the first half of the tour which included a 3rd in the prologue and top ten in the TT….nice job BJM.  On top of that Sheedy won the “King of the Mountain Jersey” on the first day and we were represtented in most of the breaks throughout the Tour. 

Speaking on behalf of myself and everyone else on the team we would like to say thanks for all of the support and keep it coming since the season is just getting under way.

Now onto some pictures from the second half of the Tour.

 BJM and I sporting our hot pink robes from the Madonna Inn. I think our director Glenn gained about three pounds from the amount of cake he consumed at dinner there.

 The lovely Ann and Vanessa were at Long Beach to cheer me on.  Ann has since become the official Priority Health/blog photographer.

 BJM had an awesome tour and was in the break that was away all day on the final stage.

 Me at the start line just before I went back to the car to get a 5mm wrench from our mechanic Benno so I could raise my saddle a touch…..seriously!  Thanks Benno for letting me adjust and not getting pissed.

 Me again at the start in Long Beach…wait…I think that might be Bettini but it is easy to get the two of us confused.

 Andrea Peron giving me some last minute advice before the start of the stage.

 We did soo well at the Tour T-Mobile gave us their van.

Later that evening after the tour had come to a close most of the riders headed out for a night on the town.

 Jones and Nicolar (Nick’s name was misspelled on the results throughout the tour)….both supplied me with Sport Beans on various stages…Sport Beans rock by the way.  Jones and I even got a ride together a few days when we were off the back.  It was nice riding with you buddy and see you and Fresno.

 Emile, Mark, and Bob enjoying a  post Cold Stone ice cream beer at the Irish pub across the street.

 After a few Irish carbombs were consumed Freidman challenged Zirbel to a drink off.

 Aside from Zirbel and Freidman chugging beer there were many other attractions at the party….for example Sarah and the rest of the umbrellagirls.

 Justin England back in the hotel lobby waiting for his post party burrito.

 Heath also waiting for his burrito.

 Helen ditched Thor for a burrito….ouch!

There might be a few more photos coming but that is all I have at the moment.

For the rest of this week I am fortunate enough to be hanging out with Ann in San Rafael…..thanks for hosting me this week Ann.

Overall, I had a blast at the tour.  There were definitely a few rough days along the way and a little bad luck but each day I felt better and I am looking forward to the race in Merced this weekend.

later, g.