56th Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré - 2.HC

France, June 6-13, 2004

Floyd Landis' diary

Lance Armstrong's first lieutenant was second behind the boss in 2002. This year he is again a vital part of the US Postal-Berry Floor effort to prepare Lance Armstrong for his attempt to win a record-breaking sixth Tour de France.

• Index to all entries

Some like it hot

Stage 2 - June 8: Bron - Saint-Etienne, 181 km
Stage 3 - June 9: Saint-Etienne - Aubenas, 180 km

I'm rooming with George Hincapie at the Dauphiné and today we were playing Eminem; nothing new really, just the old standard stuff that makes us feel relaxed and at home.

The last few days have been hot and I like that. I'm getting used to the racing again after being away from it for a month. Our team is good and everybody is relaxed. Before, we've always come to the Dauphiné and ridden like it's a dress rehearsal for the Tour. This year, we're letting the other guys work. Tuesday it was clear that Euskaltel wanted to take the responsibility and ride on the front.

On the last climb, Moncoutie was up front pulling and O'Grady was still there. Then Johan came on the radio and said O'Grady was dropped, but Moncoutie was still up front pulling as hard as he could. I had a hard time figuring that out. But he was pulling hard so maybe half the peloton split. I wanted to make sure I was up front for the descent into St. Etienne because Lance said it was dangerous downhill.

Euskaltel got surprised by that Phonak guy Guttierez and he made a beautiful move to win the stage and take the jersey. There were a couple of attacks and then he went and just kept on going. I didn't see Tyler but I think he had cramps. A lot of guys on our team had cramps too because they weren't used to the heat. I just came from California where it had been really hot, 40 degrees, so I'm used to the heat already.

Today's stage to Aubenas was really hot and hard and luckily the climbs made the group a lot smaller because the finish was pretty wild, with lots of tight turns and narrow, steep streets. But I made it okay and tomorrow is Ventoux. I'm looking forward to it!

Until next time
Floyd

Stage 2 Results
Stage 3 Results