A day for goofing off

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The author at 'work'(Image credit: Nick Weighall)

Belgium, December 25, 2006

A cold wind blew over the town of Izegem while all of the riders were snuggled in their beds hoping to fall asleep soon. Apparently half of the riders were having trouble sleeping last night, resulting to a later start of training. The funniest thing that happened last night was when Troy Wells fell asleep watching Seinfeld on his computer and must have drooled or something because now his mouse pad doesn't work!

Despite all of our goals and focus on racing we still have to celebrate Christmas somehow. It is Christmas Eve and when Els yelled DINNER! We opened the door to see a beautiful candlelight (I lit the candles) dinner with a festive red table cloth. She cooked up a storm, and as we waited for the Turkey, Super Mario served us appetizers wearing an apron and his tall black boots. Luckily for us when he turned around he had on his underwear too!

Fresh from US Cyclocross Nationals, sixteen American riders were selected for the Euro 'Cross Camp IV from December 23, 2006, to January 3, 2007, in Belgium. US national 'cross coach Geoff Proctor started the program in 2003 and runs the camps during his winter vacation from his job teaching high school in Montana. This is the fourth year that top US riders will be given this opportunity to gain valuable 'cross racing experience in Europe and to prepare for the world championships in late January. Riders were selected for this year's camp based on their performances in the 2006 USGP of cyclo-cross and US nationals. Coach Proctor and his riders will take turns contributing diary entries.