My position as an Olympian is unique. Unlike my two teammates who were selected to the team somewhat subjectively by coaches based on past results, I have little experience racing abroad against the competition we will be facing in Sydney. Discussion aside, my teammates have gone to extremes to point out my new competitors and to explain differences with international racing. While domestic racers typically peak once per season, an international racer defies physiology by peaking for the entire season, before taking a day of rest and peaking again for the next season. Riding in East Germany is safer than I predicted.
Drivers are accustomed passing cyclists on the roads.
Mere amateurs at environmental destruction, Germans routinely bike a quarter mile to the store to buy milk, instead of partaking in our country's more efficient shopping method of navigating a space shuttle sized SUV through quiet neighborhood streets to the store. After my grueling one hour training ride, I was ready for the first of many memorable meals. Contrary to popular belief, butter is the dietary staple of Germany. All of the butter I had scraped off my food since puberty had suddenly re-emerged in this one dish. The other Olympians and I were all hoping the rain would last so we could whip around one of the many sharp turns, spill out on a slippery cobblestone, break a bone, and ruin our Olympic dreams that we had spent our entire lives pursuing.