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A Day in the Life | Sweet Delight
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 31-01-2014 20:26
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7934
Joined: 22-06-2009
PCM$: 850.00
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Is there anything Henry can't do?  Fantastic win.
Although I think it might be time: Extreme, Extreme, Extreme... 
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| FonsDeSpons |
Posted on 31-01-2014 20:27
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Stagiare
Posts: 160
Joined: 30-10-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Forget Eddy Merckx, this guy is the one and only cannibal!
Edited by FonsDeSpons on 31-01-2014 20:27
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| VoetsT |
Posted on 31-01-2014 20:32
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 847
Joined: 29-06-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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That boy is a legend 
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 31-01-2014 21:43
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Dippofix - Why shouldn't he go to the Giro?
duxili - I know what you mean. But I have a feeling Henry will conquer some more National Jerseys in his career. With a WC jersey, you never know 
24sebaf1 - I wouldn't put Merckx aside just yet, but Henry will take up the challenge for sure 
Mresuperstar - Hmm, he can't really time trial, so I guess he'll never win a title there but the rest is up for grabs
Well, I've been on the verge of going to extreme permenantly a lot of times. But I think I might just try it now. I think I'm ready to give it another shot. I can always change it back, anyway!
FonsDeSpons - He certainly is hungry
VoetsT - And if he isn't yet, he will be
Thanks guys! Honestly I didn't see it coming, myself. I wanted to ride podium and try to get the title next year, in France. But it seems Henry has learned a lot this year. New goal is to become the first Frenchman to prolong his WC title. Only five cyclists have done in history. Want to be sixth
At the start of the 2016 season, I'll put it to extreme, see how it goes. I can always change it back if it doesn't work out! |
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| Jakstar22 |
Posted on 31-01-2014 22:05
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7756
Joined: 11-04-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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GO HENRY!!!!! That's something to put in the Writer's Block
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| Shonak |
Posted on 01-02-2014 07:36
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15579
Joined: 16-07-2013
PCM$: 350.00
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He did it! Once again. What a year for Henry. Freaking outstanding.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 09:17
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Jakstar22 - Too late, it's already released But I put TDF in there
Shonak - Thanks. This season was unbelievable, for me, too Hope 2016 is not any different |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 09:17
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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The Night of The Champion - Part II As I got off the plane, I was feeling pretty satisfied with myself. The trip to Swiss has definitely been one worth taking. Coming back with the Rainbow Jersey, let's face it, the most wanted jersey in the world, is just amazing. This year, I have done the three things I wanted most in my entire life:
1. I married the love of my life.
2. I won the Tour de France
3. I won the World CHampionships
What more could I want?
Well... A lot more, actually. But that's for later.
I was keen to see Becca, how she'd react. About an hour after the plane landed, I was on the doorstep. But there was nobody home. Just a note:
"Henry. I'm sorry. We need to talk. I'm at the pub."
Welcome!
Tomorrow is Il Lombardia. After conquering the World Champion Jersey, I might have partied a bit too long though. I'm not sure how good my legs have survived the party. I guess we'll see tomorrow.
In the mean time, things are sinking in big time. It's been such an amazing season for me. I had a few goals planned out at the start, but never could I even hope for this all to happen.
After becoming World Champion, Van Impe allowed another interview, I was free to choose with what magazine or station.
I picked my good old friends at Radio B, of course!
Henry, old friend! So, what's been happening lately? Won some kind of shirt, have you?
Sort of. See, I ---
Sorry to cut you short right there, Henry. But I have to say it. Congratulations. Even we at Radio B have to admit we are an awe with you. It's getting harder to make fun of you, young friend.
I thought you'd like a challenge. After all, the money you earn doing what you do, I just thought it was a bit too easy.
Well, well. It seems the World Champion has turned the tables and is now making fun of your humble reporter. So let's skip to the chase, before I get embarrased. Henry, World Champion. It's been since 1997 France has seen a World Champion. Do you realize what you've done for your country?
1997? That was Laurent Brochard in San Sébastian, right? Done for my country? You know, I just try to be the best cyclist I can be, win the most races I can win and build a palmares. That's only logical, too, I think.
Speaking about your palmares. You're 24 and already you have a palmares 99% of your colleagues could only dream of. How do you do it?
I'm not sure. I mean, I work hard, real hard. But I can't say my colleagues don't do the same thing. If I think back, I've had to fight so hard for each and every one of my victories. I guess I'm just not one to back down and give up fighting.
In the Tour, you kept it extremely exciting by holding off Froome in the final time trial, but only just.
For example. You see, what you need to win races is talent, hard work and a little luck. I guess I've been very lucky so far.
I reckon it's more than luck. Something else. Now that you have won the Tour and the World Championship, what do you still dream about? Do you have any more goals?
Well of course! I'm only getting started if it's up to me! Like I said, I want to build a palmares. I want to be able to retire in 10 years and look back satisfied on my career. I've won the Tour de France now. But that doesn't mean I don't want to win it again, just as badly! I've won the World Championship now, but that doesn't mean I won't be 200% motivated for the next Championships in France.
Are you going to the Tour next year?
I'll have to get together with Van Impe and see about that. But I think so, yes. Much will depend on the profile. I'm not a stupid rider, I know in advance if I have a shot or not.
Aren't you afraid of the Curse of the Rainbow Jersey?
I'm not scared, no. If I perform badly, it's not because of the jersey, it's just because I'm not good enough. Though I imagine I won't attack as easily in the Rainbow Jersey than in any other jersey. I'll be watched.
Just one more question: people everywhere are starting to refer to you as 'The French Cannibal'. How do you feel about that?
It's an honor, of course. I'm so proud of my career and it's great to see so many people agreeing with me. And in a way, it's true, I'm very hungry for victories. Why win the Tour only once when you can try to win it more?
But still I disappear into nothingness compared to the real Cannibal, Eddy Merckx. He remains untouchable.
But that doesn't mean I won't try.
I'm all ready for Il Lombardia. It will be my last race of the season. With this jersey, I am practically forced to do quite some public things, interviews, tv shows. So I'm booked for the next few weeks. Promoting the sponsor and this shirt, mostly.
So I'll see you tomorrow for my final race of the year, Il Lombardia!
Henry |
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| Shonak |
Posted on 01-02-2014 09:21
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15579
Joined: 16-07-2013
PCM$: 350.00
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Switching the game upt o Extreme might be the right step by the way.
Radio B interview. Wonderful to see them back, and finally showing some respect.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 09:22
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Shonak wrote:
Switching the game upt o Extreme might be the right step by the way.
Radio B interview. Wonderful to see them back, and finally showing some respect.
I have just put it to extreme.
Perfect moment:
1. If it works out - great.
2. If it doesn't work out - Rainbow Curse and I'll change it back soon enough. I want to give it a few months, though.
Radio B finally showing respect indeed Though If Henry would lose the Tour next year, I think they'll be back |
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| duxili |
Posted on 01-02-2014 09:36
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Ian Butler wrote:
I have just put it to extreme.
Some challenge!
Love it, we can't let the radio B guy become so respectful, what a shame!
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 11-09-2026 14:48
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Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
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| FonsDeSpons |
Posted on 01-02-2014 09:46
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Stagiare
Posts: 160
Joined: 30-10-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Extreme is a big challenge but I am sure the french cannibal can handle it  |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 11:12
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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duxili - Yeah, such whimps They'll come back to their senses
FonsDeSpons - Let's hope so! If not, it's not that hard to change it back anyway! |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 11:12
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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The Night of The Champion - Part III I didn't really know what to expect. She wanted me to meet her there? If she wanted to talk, couldn't she do that at home?
Unless...
I entered the pub, and my suspicions had been correct. I think the entire town was there! Banners had been made and I saw rainbows everywhere.
They all started clapping and whistling.
This was one night I'll never forget! Even though I don't remember much of it anymore.
Hi,
Time for the final race of the season. Afterwards I have 3 weeks of dates with the press and others, all because of the rainbow jersey, of course. After those three weeks, I have two weeks of holidays, get away with Becca.
Then, I start preparing for the new season. But first, let's finish this season with a bang!
 Il Lombardia
The Race Ooh, look at that. First hour and a half in the race I had all kinds of riders coming up next to me to congratulate me. I was enjoying the jersey so much I almost forgot I was in a race!
But then the pace picked up.
Over the one but final climb, things broke apart a bit. I had a rough time and really had to come into the race more.
But wearing this jersey, I owe it to the public. On the final climb, I launched an attack. Not my strongest one ever, but fairly decent anyway.
I was gone alone, though. So I waited a bit.
Others started attacking now, too. I tried hanging on. I was really hurting at this point.
But I survived. Getting ready for the sprint now!
Passing Henao, who beat me in the sprint last year, I was still going strong. But I soon realized I had gone too early. I wouldn't win today.
And indeed. I dropped to third place. Battaglin with an amazing victory.
In the end, I finished just on the podium. But I'm happy. Firstly, I feel great. Secondly, I showed my jersey. Thirdly, this was the best season ever!
But I'm tired.
With all the television dates and the holiday coming up, I'm saying goodbye to this blog for a while.
I'll see you back in 2016.
Until then,
Henry
Winner Paris - Nice
Winner French National Road Race
Winner Tour de France
Winner World Championships |
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| Jakstar22 |
Posted on 01-02-2014 11:53
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7756
Joined: 11-04-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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Amazing season and a good 3rd place to finish it off. Great job Henry and amazing writing Ian!!!
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| FonsDeSpons |
Posted on 01-02-2014 13:02
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Stagiare
Posts: 160
Joined: 30-10-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Super season for Henry, let's hope 2016 will be just as good!
Good luck Henry and Ian! |
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| wogsrus |
Posted on 01-02-2014 13:44
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1197
Joined: 12-01-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Couldn't have imagined that this season would go so well. Top stuff. |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 13:56
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Jakstar22 - Thanks a lot, Jak! Appreciate it
FonsDeSpons - Having a season just as good will be hard. But definitely not impossible
wogsrus - I didn't expect it, either |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 01-02-2014 13:56
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21381
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Hey there,
1st of January 2016. What better way to start the new year by updating your blog? It's been a couple of months since my last visit. I've been busy. This Rainbow Jersey comes with a few strings attached, responsibilities. My vacation with Becca was real good. I've resumed training weeks ago and I'm feeling quite good. The first team camp with the new arrivals was good. We have another camp coming up soon! But first, some news!
Brilliant news to start the year with as I came out as the winner of the Vélo d'Or, as 2nd in the UCI Rankings, right in front of Valverde (1st UCI Ranking) and De Gendt (3rd UCI Ranking)!
This award is for everyone who's helped me along the way.
Team Celesio - Macquarie: A Sense of Direction
Time to take a look at our team goals. Did we achieve our goals for 2015, have we succeeded in a few long term goals yet and what are the goals for 2016?
Green = Success
Red = Failed / No Success Yet
2015 Goals Podium a Grand Tour (Won 3 GTs)
Top 10 Tour de France (Winner)
Stage Wins in each of the Grand Tours
Win a Classic (GP Montreal)
Win Tour Down Under
Conquer at least 3 National Jerseys
Defend De Gendt's World Champion Jersey
Top 3 UCI Team Rankings (team) (1st Team Rankings)
Top 5 UCI Individual Rankings (Vergnaud 2nd, De Gendt 3rd)
CONCLUSION: 7/9
Long-Term Goals Reintegrate cycling in Germany
Win a Grand Tour by 2017
Win a Monument by 2017
Win the UCI Team Rankings by 2018
Win the UCI Individual Rankings by 2019
Podium a Grand Tour with a German rider by 2019
Podium a Grand Tour with an Australian rider by 2020
Win the World Championships Team Time Trial by 2017
Win the World Championships Road Race by 2018
Win the Tour de France by 2020
CONCLUSION: 4 Long Term Goals Achieved
2016 Goals Win a Cobbled Classic
Top 3 Milano - San Remo
Win Santos Tour Down Under
Win a Monument
Win 1 Grand Tour
Win UCI World Championship Road Race
Win at least 5 National Jerseys
Win UCI Team Rankings
Win UCI World Championship Team Time Trial
Get Herklotz on a Grand Tour podium
Ambitious goals, but I think we can do it!
How will we do it? Easy, we brought reinforcements.
Other Transfers Nibali -> Saxo
Van Den Broeck -> Katusha
Hushovd -> Astana
Phinney -> Team Sky
Van Garderen -> Cannondale
Hesjedal -> Cannondale
Greipel -> Team Sky
Quintana -> Team Sky
Cavendish -> Lotto
Froome -> Movistar
Henao -> Lotto
Lotto and Cannondale are growing stronger once again. Sky and Movistar swap talents Froome and Quintana.
Anyway, we'll be discussing our calenders soon, I'll keep you posted!
I'll also bring more news on the team and the team camp.
See you later,
Henry |
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 01-02-2014 14:08
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7934
Joined: 22-06-2009
PCM$: 850.00
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Slow down Ian! I can't keep up.
Last night I went back and tried to read the story in full, because I'll admit, I was skimming and missed a few reports from time to time. After going through and counting your 67 updates for January I decided it was time I caught up fully. I'm on page 17 and working my way through, but it amazes me how you can produce quality reports so damn fast.
Hoping to finish it up today and move on to TMM's story with I have also fallen behind in.
Good luck in 2016!
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