After his podium ride in the Deer Valley NMBS race, Jeremiah fell ill with a respiratory infection, quite possibly influenza, and he flew home from the Mt Saint Anne World Cup. His fever was over 100 degrees for days and he complained of aches all over. After a week of high quality rest and recovery, looking ahead to the Saint Felicien World Cup, Jeremiah knew that he'd lost his shot at the top World Cup performances he'd trained for all year. With focus remaining on the US National Championships and the later season, he and his coach decided that a high-quality training block would be ideal. Jeremiah would skip the second Canadian World Cup to fully recover and begin a wildly ambitious training schedule. So - good or bad - as luck would have it, Jeremiah would take part in the grandest of all stage races, le Tour de 'Burg!
Jeremiah will post a full account of the pain and suffering, but for now, here's a glimpse of what's been going on.
The US flag is proudly flown at the Bishop residence for the entirety of the world's grandest Tour, and in honor of US Independence Day.
Truth be told, Jeremiah was suffering in the opening prologue time trial, his first high-intensity after being ill. So novel to the local media, his suffering made the news. (note in results: I think Koerber's time is supposed to be 26:16, I don't know what the listed 6:05:16 is all about.)
Jeremiah and Todd ready for stage two of the Tour. Their smiles were even wider after Todd claimed the stage win, followed :06 seconds later by Jeremiah, who would hold the KOM for the stage.
Later, riders tackled the second stage of the day with a time trial on the newly built and oh-so-awesome Rocktown Trails at Hillandale Park. Even I managed to post a respectable time, finishing less than one minute down from the pro ladies and setting a time-to-beat for my next attempt on the course.
On Monday, the Tour returned to the mountain bikes with an assault on Massanutten ridge. It was during this stage that Jeremiah said he felt like he was able to really push it again. He threw down on the climbs and moved into the lead to claim the yellow jersey from Sam Koerber. The next day riders set out for another road stage, Todd wearing the KOM Leader's Jersey.
Riders enjoy a fully supported Tour, much thanks to Kari and Lindsey C. for their support. Here, the posse refuels during stage five.
The peleton makes its way through the scenic countryside toward the mountains.
One of the greatest Tour legends of all time has been sorely missed in '07. The entire peleton has kept him in their thoughts and hopes he can feel the love we're sending over the mountains to him.
With one mountain bike stage remaining, Jeremiah continues to hold the lead and fuels hopes that the yellow jersey will stay in Harrisonburg!
Happy Fourth of July,
Erin
Labels: E Bishop, Viva le Burg
posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 9:29 AM 
