Though Mongo is close to getting a new computer, it hasn't happened yet. So...I am forced to use my phone or break into my neighbor's house when I want to write my blog. As you can imagine, this is tedious at best.
I am retiring the prognosticating skills of "Mongodamus" for a while. After going a combined one for nine in my podium predictions for San Remo, Flanders, and Roubaix, it's time to take a little rest and recharge my mojo. I will say that even though my mojo is faltering, my "Juice" is still flowing. After a shout-out to Phillipe Gilbert here, he has gone on to have a strong Spring campaign including yesterday's win at the Amstel Gold.
BTW...I still think it's extremely fishy that Fabian Cancellara comes up with these heroic performances every year during the E3, Flanders, and Roubaix stretch. If it ain't a motor, it's the dope!
I will say though, that this has been one of the most entertaining Pro Cycling seasons in a long time. There are plenty of stars, young and old, who are worth rooting for, and the racing itself has been very exciting.
As for Mongo and his cycling exploits...it's going pretty well so far this Spring. I am continuing my domination of the Cat 6/7 "Enemy Bike Shop" ride with seven consecutive podiums...and have even brought my teammates into the mix by leading out Ian and Andy to victory the past two weeks. When Mongo has stepped it up to the Cat 2/3/4/5 "Big Boy" ride, I have managed to hang tough and not get dropped. My new RC7 has a lot to do with this, but my continued cross training on the trainer and mountain bike is also reason for my success.
The 23/2300 Hammerfest is still where Mongo has some work to do. I have said many times that this course of primarily climbing doesn't suit me at all. Though true, I'm not using it as an excuse. (Ok, maybe sometimes!) My climbing has improved solidly, and I'm focusing on areas of the course to exploit my strengths. The final Sprint is where I'm going to make hay.
Last week Mongo found himself in a solo breakaway with less than a mile to go. No one respected me, for good reason, and let me go. You see, a week earlier I did the same thing and was caught by the peloton very early. They expected the same thing this time. Instead, Mongo dug deep and made it to the final 50 metres (European for yards) before being passed by "Party Pooper" Mark, who thwarted Mongo's rare shot at victory. The peloton won't let this scenario happen again, so I'll have to figure out a different strategy.
