Measuring Success

While the Gamin/Chipotle-H3O boys did not win any stages and finished just outside of the top-3 overall, their 2008 TdF performance was absolutely tremendous and in our eyes, nothing short of total success. On the shoulders of fifth place GC finisher Christian (left), who by any method of measure is having a career year, the team rode brilliantly. Christian moved into GC contention from the opening stage and never fell out of the top-6. He TT'ed like a monster, climbed like a goat, and did evenything he needed to do when it counted.

And the team rocked.

Will's participation in a 4-man all-day break and 2nd place stage finish in stage 3; David's 3rd in stage 4; Danny's 3rd on alpine stage 13; sprinter Julian with six (count 'em) top-10 stage finishes; and the complete support of Maggie, Trent, Ryder and Martijn - it all adds up to what looks like a prett smart decision by ASO to awarding a starting spot to the argyle armada.

For us, the fact that the team was able to utilize the new Felt AR, along with all of their other top-tier Felt rigs - the F1, Z1 and DA - it means we've hit another milestone. It's a great feeling in our little camp. What's extra cool for us is that we just present the equipment to the team and make it available. After that, they decide what they are using and when.

Now that the TdF is over, the team will undoubtedly head different directions, some hitting the Euro post-tour crit's while others (Christian, Julian & Ryder) grab a bit of rest before the run-up to Beijing. The Olympics are another story - should be good!