The Hobbit - Aha, what do I have to do to get 3 bananas?
Jeselyh - It was pretty close, yeah. But I needed to attack, couldn't wait for a mass sprint. Turned out to be the right decision
sutty68 - Celebrations all around!
the_hoyle -
Maybe some of you are questioning this (and others, too) victory. So I will release a few screenshots with stats for those
Still not really considering Extreme, mostly because I'm scared of it. My past experiences were quite pathetic at times Edited by Ian Butler on 31-01-2014 18:38
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!
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!
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
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
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
Last year I was 2nd. I hope to do better! But today no result will put me down. My season is already a success, nothing can change that anymore.
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
Henry Vergnaud - 2015
Winner Paris - Nice
Winner French National Road Race
Winner Tour de France
Winner World Championships
Fantastic win. 
Il Lombardia 
