What a gorgeous October day. Not a cloud in the sky all day with a little chill in the air. Rode for 1.5 hrs today on the Lemay, Missouri State, Fenton route. Last week I purposely rode the same route entirely in the small ring. Today, the small ring was only on the hills. The legs are feeling it more than I expected because I did not go extremely hard.

News of the Day Both Lampre and Saeco have confirmed their merger for 2005 today. The two Italian Pro Cycling teams, represented by their respective presidents Emanuele Galbusera and Sergio Zappella, reached an agreement yesterday in Bologna. The new combined team will be managed by Giuseppe Saronni and Claudio Corti, and will include the best riders from both teams, including Damiano Cunego (2004 Giro d’Italia winner), Gilberto Simoni and Igor Astarloa. The new Pro Tour team has yet to be given a name, which will be announced in an official press conference, together with further rider details, managers and technical staff.