Tyler Tunes: Refuse to Quit
My day started out really well on Sunday with a phone call from my wife. I'm a diehard fan of all the Boston sports teams so a typical conversationof ours usually entails her rattling off the latest standings of the hometown teams. Yesterday she read me a headline from boston.com - which is the online version of the Boston Globe newspaper. It was short and sweet. It read, "Refuse to Quit." The story was about the Boston Celtics triumphing over the New Jersey Nets in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs. They had come from behind and rallied with the biggest fourth quarter comeback in playoff history.
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Giro d’Italia – Rest Day #2
By Tyler Hamilton, CSC-Tiscali cycling team
Photo: Graham Watson
My day started out really well on Sunday with a phone call from my wife.
I’m a diehard fan of all the Boston sports teams so a typical conversationof ours usually entails her rattling off the latest standings of the hometown teams. Yesterday she read me a headline from boston.com – which is the online version of the Boston Globe newspaper. It was short and sweet. It read, “Refuse to Quit.” The story was about the Boston Celtics triumphing over the New Jersey Nets in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs. They had come from behind and rallied with the biggest fourth quarter comeback in playoff history. Nothing like getting a little inspiration from home on a critical day at the Giro d’Italia.
Yesterday was the biggest day of my professional career. When you startracing your bike you always dream about riding in a grand tour. By thetime you make it to that level you begin to imagine what it might be liketo win a stage. By the finish of Stage 14 that dream became a reality forme. Although I still don’t think it’s all sunken in yet.
I was really happy to be able to put forth a strong effort in the timetrial. The result was important on a lot of levels considering all thatwe’ve been through so far in this race. This is a team sport and a littlesuccess can be a great motivator for everyone involved which includes allthe riders and staff who work tirelessly to keep us going. I feel like we are back in this race. And I hope the positive momentum we’re experiencing right now continues to flow through the next six stages.
Last night was kind of a blur. After the finish I saw my teammates,went to the podium, headed to medical control, attended a press conferenceand then made the 300 kilometer transfer to our team hotel. Upon arriving there it was business as usual; massage from the soigneur, re-bandage from the team doctor, therapy with Ole and dinner. Before I knew it, it was well past midnight. But thanks to the enthusiastic CSC-Tiscali team staff, I was able to fit in a glass of Champagne before bed. It didn’t help meget to sleep though. I was a little wired coming off all the excitement.
Luckily today was a rest day. I took full advantage by scheduling ina little nap for myself this afternoon. It felt a little indulgent, but considering what lies ahead, I figured I should rest up as much as possible.
Prior to the start everyone wanted to know where and when I thought theGiro was going to be decided. I always replied with the same answer whichwas – in the final week. The Dolomites are going to be extremely tough.
On a bright note, I had the stitches removed from my back today. I’m finally to the point where you can see more flesh on my body than roadrash. Hopefully that means I’m on the mend. Keep your fingers crossed.
Thanks for reading.
Editor’s Note:Tyler Hamilton is sending diary entries toVeloNews.com every other day throughout the 2002 Giro d’Italia. Click belowfor his earlier entries.The Prologue: Noworse for wearStage 2: Gettingon TrackStage 4: Charginginto StrasbourgStage 6: Troublecomes in threes… I hopeStage 8 Theroad to recoveryStage 9 Forza!Stage 11 NoExcusesStage 13 ASpecial Group of GuysCare to comment? Send ane-mail to our letters page.
